EP3392157A1

EP3392157A1 - Sealing apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP3392157A1
Application number: EP17425043.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Davide Fausti; Giovanni FUSI; Maurizio MOR
Original assignee: Itasystem Srl
Current assignee: Itasystem Srl
Priority date: 2017-04-20
Filing date: 2017-04-20
Publication date: 2018-10-24
Anticipated expiration: 2037-04-20
Also published as: EP3392157B1

Abstract

A sealing apparatus (1) adapted to apply a seal around a wrapper (3) of a product comprises a sealing machine (2), in turn including at least one application head (2a) adapted to apply the seal around the wrapper (3), and a conveyor belt (5) adapted to move the wrapper (3) towards the sealing machine (2). Conveniently, the apparatus (1) comprises positioning means (6) including at least one actuator (7, 13) adapted to position a sealing portion of the wrapper (3) at a pick-up region (P) of that apparatus (1), as well as movement means (10) adapted to transport the wrapper (3) from the pick-up region (P) towards the application head (2a) of the sealing machine (2) for applying the seal around this sealing portion.

Description

Field of application

The present invention relates to a sealing apparatus comprising a sealing machine, in turn including at least one application head adapted to apply a seal around a wrapper of a product, and a conveyor belt adapted to move the wrapper towards the sealing machine. The present invention also relates to a method for sealing a wrapper.
More in particular, the present invention describes the application of a seal around a wrapper containing a product to be identified and to be isolated from the external environment, for example a food product, and the following description is made with reference to this application field with the only purpose of simplifying the exposition.

Prior art

As it is well known in this specific technical field, a seal is a means for closing a wrapper, which contains for example a food product, as well as means for identifying the product contained in the wrapper.
The application of a seal around a wrapper is of fundamental importance in the food field, where the seal has the purpose, on the one hand, of isolating the contents of the wrapper from the external environment and, on the other hand, of displaying the trademark associated with the packaged product and information about the composition or the organoleptic properties of the product, as well as characteristics such as the production date and the production batch.
There are sealing machines able to apply a seal, which is suitably shaped, around a wrapper by folding and fixing a flap of the seal around the neck of the wrapper, the fixing operation being performed for example by means of ultrasonic welding.
Generally, the sealing is performed by means of a manual process, where an operator positions the wrapper, possibly after forming a portion with a smaller cross-section in the region of the neck thereof, in an application head of the sealing machine, in particular he inserts the portion with a smaller cross-section inside a suitable opening of the sealing machine so as to obtain the application of the seal. This operation is obviously limited, in terms of the time needed for execution thereof, by the skill of the operator.
Therefore, there is the need in the field for a suitable apparatus that comprises a sealing machine and allows a seal to be applied to a wrapper in automatic manner, thus optimizing the speed of this operation, its uniformity and the production costs of the end product. It is also pointed out that this need also exists in other fields in addition to the food field, such as the medical field or the cosmetics field.
In particular, there is the need for a versatile apparatus which is able to automatically apply seals to a wrapper which is already closed, as well as to an open wrapper which must be closed before sealing.
The technical problem of the present invention is to provide a sealing apparatus having structural and functional features such as to allow overcoming the limitations and drawbacks still affecting the known solutions, in particular an apparatus which is able to convey a wrapper to be sealed towards a sealing machine, applying in an automatic and efficient manner a seal around the wrapper by means of that sealing machine.

Summary of the invention

The solution idea at the basis of the present invention is to provide a sealing apparatus wherein a wrapper containing a product, suitably arranged on a conveyor belt, is positioned in a preset position of the apparatus, as well as prepared for sealing, via suitable means, and then is picked up from that preset position and transported towards the application head of a sealing machine for the automatic application of a seal to that wrapper.
Based on this solution idea, the aforementioned technical problem is primarily solved by a sealing apparatus comprising a sealing machine, in turn including an application head adapted to apply a seal around a wrapper of a product, and a conveyor belt adapted to move the wrapper towards the sealing machine, such an apparatus being characterized in that it comprises positioning means including at least one actuator adapted to position a sealing portion of the wrapper at a pick-up region of the apparatus, as well as movement means adapted to transport the wrapper from the pick-up region towards the application head of the sealing machine for applying the seal around the sealing portion of that wrapper.
More particularly, the invention comprises the following additional characteristics, taken individually or in combination if required.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the at least one actuator may be a gripper operable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the sealing portion of the wrapper being held by the gripper in such a closed position at the pick-up region.
Alternatively, the at least one actuator may be in the form of rotating suction means comprising at least one rotating end portion adapted to be inserted inside the wrapper and to suction air therein, the rotating suction means defining the sealing portion of the wrapper by means of a rotation of that rotating end portion, the rotating suction means holding the sealing portion of that wrapper at the pick-up region.
In this case, the positioning means may further comprise opening means for keeping an opening of the wrapper in an open condition, allowing the entry of the rotating suction means inside the wrapper.
In particular, the opening means may comprise a first portion, which is fixed, and a second portion, which is movable towards and away from the first portion, surfaces facing each other of said first and second portions being provided with a plurality of air suction holes for keeping the opening of the wrapper in the open condition.
According to an aspect of the present invention, the positioning means may comprise a support structure of the at least one actuator, such a support structure being movable between a first position, where the actuator is spaced from the wrapper, and a second position, where the actuator acts on the wrapper.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the movement means may comprise at least one gripper adapted to pick up the wrapper from the pick-up region and to move that wrapper towards the application head of the sealing machine, the at least one gripper being moved by a chain.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the positioning means and the movement means may be synchronized with each other and may be synchronized with the movement of the conveyor belt.
It should also be noted that the sealing machine may be adapted to apply a seal having a flap to be folded and a plate including a display portion displaying information about the product inside the wrapper, wherein the application head comprises means for folding the flap of the seal around the wrapper and fixing that flap by means of fixing means, the sealing machine further comprising printing means adapted to print data on the display portion of the seal, those fixing means being selected from an ultrasonic welder, a punching machine or gluing means.
Specifically, the seal can be made of a plastic material.
Furthermore, the apparatus of the present invention may further comprise a plurality of sensors, which are connected to a central unit, for managing and controlling that apparatus, which is in turn connected to monitoring and control remote systems via suitable communication means, the signals of at least some of those sensors being sent to those remote systems via those communication means, those remote systems controlling the apparatus on the basis of the signals of the sensors.
The present invention also relates to a method for sealing a wrapper comprising at least the steps of:

positioning the wrapper on a conveyor belt; and
moving the wrapper by means of the conveyor belt towards a sealing machine for applying a seal around that wrapper,

positioning a sealing portion of the wrapper at a pick-up region by means of positioning means;
transporting the wrapper from the pick-up region towards an application head of the sealing machine by means of movement means; and
applying the seal around the sealing portion of the wrapper.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the positioning step can comprise a step of moving a gripper from an open position to a closed position so as to form and/or hold the sealing portion of the wrapper at the pick-up region.
Alternatively, the positioning step can comprise a step of inserting in the wrapper at least one rotating end portion of rotating suction means, such an insertion step being followed by a step of suctioning air into the wrapper by means of the rotating suction means and by a step of rotating the rotating end portion of the rotating suction means so as to define the sealing portion of the wrapper.
In particular, the insertion step may be preceded by a step of keeping an opening of the wrapper in an open condition by means of opening means, allowing the entry of the rotating suction means into that wrapper.
Finally, the positioning step and the sealing step may be performed simultaneously for at least two different wrappers arranged on the conveyor belt.
The features and advantages of the sealing apparatus and method according to the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

In those drawings:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a sealing apparatus according to the present invention;
Figure 2 shows a detail of the apparatus of Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows a front view of a detail of a sealing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 4A and 4B show different views of positioning means of the sealing apparatus of Figure 3;
Figure 5 shows movement means of the sealing apparatus of the present invention;
Figures 6A and 6B show a perspective view of a detail of a sealing apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 7 shows another perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 6;
Figure 8 shows opening means of a wrapper according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 9 shows a side view of a sealing apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description

With reference to those figures, and in particular to the example of Figure 1, a sealing apparatus manufactured according to the present invention is globally and schematically indicated with 1.
It is worth noting that the figures represent schematic views and are not drawn to scale, but instead they are drawn so as to emphasize the important features of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, the different components are depicted in a schematic manner, their shape varying depending on the application desired. It is also noted that, in the figures, the same reference numbers refer to elements that are identical in shape or function. Finally, particular features described in relation to an embodiment shown in one figure may also be used for the other embodiments shown in the other figures.
The sealing apparatus 1 according to the present invention is preferably used for the packaging of food products, in particular by applying a seal to a wrapper thereof. By way of a non-limiting example of the present invention, the apparatus 1 may be used for sealing bags containing mozzarella cheese or fresh poultry, but it is not limited to these products. It is emphasized that the apparatus 1 may be used for sealing also other types of food products, as well as other types of products, i.e. not necessarily food products. Still by way of a non-limiting example, the apparatus 1 may be used also for the packaging of medical and cosmetic products. It should therefore be understood that the examples illustrated in the following description are merely of illustrative nature and do not limit in any way the scope of the present invention.
As shown in Figure 1, the apparatus 1 comprises a sealing machine 2, adapted to apply a seal to a wrapper 3 containing a product, for example a food product (but, as already mentioned, not limited thereto). In the present description, the term "wrapper" means any type of covering for containing a product, such as a bag, generally provided with an opening through which the product is inserted, whereby the form and the material of that wrapper may vary depending on the needs and/or the circumstances.
The sealing machine 2 is suitably arranged on a support frame 4 which supports it. The support frame 4 is shaped so that the sealing machine 2 is suitably interfaced with the other components of the apparatus 1, as it will be shown in greater detail below. As shown in Figure 1, once arranged on the support frame 4, the sealing machine 2 is tilted relative to the vertical axis (understood as being orthogonal to a plane, such as the ground, on which the support frame 4 is placed), even though other configurations are obviously possible, the figures being provided only by way of a non-limiting example of the scope of the present invention. In general, the sealing machine 2 is arranged on the support frame 4 in a position in each case appropriate for correct sealing.
The apparatus 1 also comprises a conveyor belt 5 for moving the wrapper 3 towards the sealing machine 2. The conveyor belt 5 is arranged parallel to a plane, such as the ground, on which the support frame 4 is placed. The conveyor belt 5 is provided in particular with a plurality of flights 5a which are equally spaced from each other and which define well defined sectors S on the conveyor belt 5. According to the present invention, in order to adapt the size of the sector S defined by the flights 5a to that of the wrapper 3 arranged on it, each flight 5a comprises a suitable extendable portion 5b, fitted on it, for varying the dimensions of that sector S, whereby the extendable portion 5b may be for example a resilient reducer plate. Consequently, the extension of the sector S is in each case suitably modified by means of the extendable portion 5b of the flights 5a depending on the form and the dimensions of the wrapper 3 so as to retain it in the best possible manner.
The wrapper 3, which contains a given product, is then arranged on the conveyor belt 5 and transported by it towards the sealing machine 2 for the application of the seal around it. It should be noted that, for the correct operation of the apparatus 1, the wrappers 3 are arranged on the conveyor belt 5 always with the same orientation, namely with their openings all arranged on the same side of the conveyor belt 5.
Preferably, the seal to be applied to the wrapper 3 is made of a plastic material and is suitably shaped so as to have a plate including a display portion displaying various information about the product contained inside the wrapper 3, by way of guarantee of the product enclosed therein, and a flap to be folded and fixed to the plate.
As shown in greater detail in Figure 2, the sealing machine 2 includes an application head 2a for applying and fixing the seal around the wrapper 3. In particular, the application head 2a comprises an opening F (for example a slot), inside which a sealing portion of the wrapper 3, namely a portion of the wrapper 3 having a reduced cross-section, is inserted, as it will be explained in greater detail further below.
By way of a non-limiting example of the present invention, the sealing machine 2 can comprise a feeding system (not shown) dragging single seals (or alternatively a continuous strip from which the single seals are shaped) towards a printing unit (also not shown) and, then, towards the application head 2a. The seals have preferably at least one face intended to receive, printed thereon in the printing unit, printed information relating to the product contained inside the wrapper 3, such as the production batch, the expiry date and the like. The information to be printed may be entered via a suitable user interface, such as a touch screen. Once the information has been printed on the face intended for this purpose, the seals are fed towards the application head 2a for applying them around the wrapper 3. For this purpose, the application head 2a in turn comprises means for folding the flap of the seal and means for fixing the folded flap around the wrapper 3 to be sealed.
The fixing means of the sealing machine 2 are preferably selected from an ultrasonic welder, a punching machine or gluing means, but are not limited to these, the present invention envisaging any suitable type of fixing means.
Since the characteristic features of the seal and of the sealing machine 2 are known in the field, these components are not shown in detail in the accompanying drawings and will not be further described in the present description.
Advantageously according to the present invention, in order to apply in an automatic, precise and efficient manner the seal around the wrapper 3, the apparatus 1 comprises suitable positioning means 6 for positioning the wrapper 3 arranged on the conveyor belt 5, these positioning means 6 being adapted to position and keep the wrapper 3 in a preset position, which is indicated in the present specification as pick-up region P of the apparatus 1, as shown in greater detail in Figure 3.
In particular, the positioning means 6 are apt to position a specific portion of the wrapper 3, called hereinbelow sealing portion, at the pick-up region P, such that this sealing portion can be easily inserted into the slot F of the application head 2a of the sealing machine 2 by means of suitable movement means, as will be illustrated further below.
In the present description, the term "sealing portion" means the portion of the wrapper 3 apt to be inserted inside the slot F of the application head 2a of the sealing machine 2, such a sealing portion having generally a smaller cross-section than the rest of the wrapper 3 so that it can be easily inserted inside the slot F of said application head 2a. In other words, the sealing portion is the portion of the wrapper 3 around which the seal is wound.
The positioning means 6 are therefore adapted to position and keep the wrapper 3 in a preset position of the apparatus 1, thus allowing it to be subsequently sealed, this action being performed by suitable actuators included in those positioning means 6, as it will be described in detail below.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the positioning means 6 are arranged on one side of the conveyor belt 5, and the pick-up region P, in which the wrapper 3 is positioned and held, is also defined on that side of the conveyor belt 5.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the pick-up region P is located in a region of the apparatus 1 projecting from the conveyor belt 5, even though other configurations are obviously possible, the figures being provided merely by way of a non-limiting example of the scope of the present invention.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in greater detail in Figures 4A and 4B, the actuator performing the positioning and the holding of the wrapper 3 is a gripper 7, which may be in an open configuration, in which the ends of its levers are at a maximum distance from each other, or in a closed configuration, in which the ends of its levers are at a minimum distance from each other. In this way, by switching from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the gripper 7 is adapted to position and keep the wrapper 3, in particular the sealing portion thereof, at the pick-up region P of the apparatus 1.
The gripper 7 is supported by suitable support means 8 which are movable between a first position, or rest position, where the gripper 7 is arranged at a higher position than the plane in which the conveyor belt 5 lies, and a second position, or operating position, where the gripper 7 is arranged in the vicinity of the wrapper 3. In other words, the rest position is a position where the actuator of the positioning means 6 is situated at a predetermined distance from the wrapper 3, while the operating position is a position where the actuator acts on the wrapper 3.
In this way, preferably, the gripper 7 is kept in the open configuration when the support means 8 are in the rest position, while it is driven into the closed configuration when the support means 8 are operated in the operating position, in order to position and keep the wrapper 3 at the pick-up region P. Consequently, when the wrapper 3 is in the pick-up region P, the support means 8 are operated so as to move the actuator (in this case the gripper 7) closer to the wrapper 3 so that it can engage the wrapper 3 (in this case by switching from the open configuration to the closed configuration).
Conveniently, the gripper 7, when passing from the open configuration into the closed configuration, can also form the sealing portion with smaller cross-section in the wrapper 3 simultaneously to the positioning and holding of that sealing portion in the pick-up region P. In the case where the wrapper 3 is instead positioned on the conveyor belt 5 with the sealing portion with smaller cross-section already formed (as for example in the case of a wrapper containing mozzarella cheese), the gripper 7 is only adapted to position and hold the wrapper 3, in particular its reduced portion, in the preset pick-up region P.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gripper 7 is driven between the open configuration and the closed configuration, and vice versa, by means of a cam profile (not shown in the figures) which is integrated in the support means 8 and which moves together with the movement of the support means 8, even though other solutions are obviously possible. For example, the gripper 7 may be operated by means of suitable electrically driven motor means, or the cam profile may be replaced by a connecting link or by any other suitable means, having a different shape and being of a different type depending on the circumstances and/or the needs.
In other words, when the wrapper 3 is at the pick-up region P, the positioning means 6 are operated and the gripper 7 (i.e. the actuator) is moved, for example from the top downwards, so as to close itself around the sealing portion of the wrapper 3.
Conveniently, according to the present invention, the wrapper 3, after being positioned and retained by the positioning means 6 at the pick-up region P, is picked up at this pick-up region P by movement means 10 included in the apparatus 1.
The movement means 10, which are shown in detail in Figure 5, comprise at least one further gripper 11 adapted to pick-up the wrapper 3, in particular at its sealing portion, such a gripper 11 being moved by a chain 12, even if the present invention is not limited thereto and the gripper 11 can be moved in any other suitable manner.
Figure 5 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which the movement means 10 comprise two grippers 11, even though other embodiments are obviously possible, for example the grippers 11 may be more than two, depending on the required sealing speed.
Essentially, the movement means 10 are structured so that, during their movement, the gripper 11 passes through the pick-up region P in order to pick up the wrapper 3 and transport it towards the application head 2a of the sealing machine 2.
The combination of the positioning means 6 and the movement means 10 according to the present invention is particularly advantageous since, as pointed out above, the positioning means 6 move the wrapper 3 in a preset position of the apparatus 1 and prepare the wrapper 3 for sealing, in such a way that they allow the movement means 10 to pick up the wrapper 3, which is situated with certainty in this preset position known to the movement means 10, and to transport it towards the sealing machine 2. It should be noted that, if the positioning means 6 are not present, the movement means 10 would no longer be able to pick up the wrapper 3, which would be arranged in a random manner on the conveyor belt 5.
Conveniently, the positioning means 6 and the movement means 10 are synchronized with each other and are synchronized with the movement of the conveyor belt 5, as it will be explained in greater detail further below.
In the case where the wrapper 3 is arranged open on the conveyor belt 5, it is also desirable to perform a first closure thereof before sealing. For this purpose, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the actuator of the positioning means 6 is a rotating suction means 13, which is apt to be inserted inside an opening of the wrapper 3 and to suction air from that wrapper 3, creating the vacuum therein.
In particular, as shown in detail in Figure 6A, the rotating suction means 13 includes a body 13a, preferably in the form of a tubular element, which extends longitudinally between a first end portion fixed to a support structure 14 and a second end portion, in particular a rotating end portion 13b, which is provided with a plurality of suction holes and is able to perform a rotational movement. The tubular element 13a, and in particular its rotating end portion 13a, is positioned inside the wrapper 3 and suctions air inside this wrapper 3.
It should also be observed that the suction holes of the rotating end portion 13b are arranged radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body 13a of the rotating suction means 13.
In this way, the suction by the rotating end portion 13b causes adhesion of a part of the wrapper 3 thereto and, at the same time, its rotation defines the sealing portion in the wrapper 3. In fact, the rotation of the rotating end portion 13b, while a part of the wrapper 3 adheres thereto, results in the formation of a twisted portion with a smaller cross-section in the wrapper 3, such a portion acting as sealing portion of the wrapper 3.
At the end of the rotation of the rotating end portion 13b of the rotating suction means 13, namely at the end of the formation of the sealing portion of the wrapper 3, the suction of air via the holes of the rotating end portion 13b ceases and, at the same time, the rotating end portion 13b is extracted from the inside of the wrapper 3. At this point, the movement means 10 are activated for transporting the wrapper 3 towards the application head 2a of the sealing machine 2.
With particular reference now to Figure 7, just like the gripper 7 of the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4A-4B is supported by the support means 8, also the rotating suction means 13 are mounted on the support structure 14, which is movable and is able to perform a translatory movement for inserting the rotating end portion 13b inside the wrapper 3 for the suction and twisting operations and, thereafter, for removing the rotating end portion 13b from the wrapper 3. In other words, the support structure 14 can also be operated between a rest position, where the rotating end portion 13b is on the outside of the wrapper 3, and an operating position, where the rotating end portion 13b is inserted inside the wrapper 3.
In order to effectively insert the rotating end portion 13b inside the wrapper 3, according to this embodiment, the positioning means 6 further comprise opening means 15 adapted to keep the opening of the wrapper 3 in an open condition, thus allowing the entry therein of the rotating end portion 13b of the rotating suction means 13, as shown in detail in Figure 8.
In particular, the opening means 15 comprise a first portion 15a, which is fixed and integral with the support frame 4, and a second portion 15b, which is movable towards and away from the fixed first portion 15a. According to the local reference system of the figures, the fixed first portion 15a is a bottom portion and the movable second portion 15b is a top portion able to perform a vertical movement.
The surfaces of the fixed first portion 15a and of the movable second portion 15b, which face each other and are denoted respectively as Sa and Sb, are provided with a plurality of holes for air suction. In particular, according to the local reference system of the figures, the surface Sa is a top surface of the fixed first portion 15a, while the surface Sb is a bottom surface of the movable second portion 15b.
In this way, when the wrapper 3 is transported by the conveyor belt 5 into the pick-up region P, thanks to the suction by the portions 15a and 15b of the opening means 15, parts of the wrapper 3 adhere to those portions 15a and 15b, such that the movement of the movable second portion 15b away from the fixed first portion 15a keeps the opening of the wrapper 3 in an open position, therefore allowing the entry therein of the rotating suction means 13.
It is emphasized that, although the embodiment in which the opening means 15 keep the wrapper 3 open by means of suction is preferred, other forms and modes of operation of these opening means 15 are nevertheless possible. For example, the opening of the wrapper 3 may be performed by means of automatic grippers, as well as by means of a system of rings or a system of suction cups.
It is also emphasized that, while the embodiment of Figure 3 is adapted to perform the sealing of a wrapper which is already partially closed, for example a wrapper containing mozzarella cheese, the embodiment of Figures 6A-6B and 7 is suitable for performing the sealing of an open wrapper.
Furthermore, in addition to the instrumentation described above, the apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of sensors for the optimum management thereof. For example, the apparatus 1 can comprise proximity sensors, such as ultrasound sensors, photocells or also optical sensors for managing every aspect of the production process. These sensors are for example adapted to check the correct positioning of the wrapper 3 on the conveyor belt 5 and feeding thereof, as well as the absence of said wrapper. In general, the sensors of the apparatus 1 control on the one hand the operation thereof and on the other hand ensure also the safety of the operator.
The apparatus 1 may also be connected to other systems, for example remote systems, for the control/monitoring thereof, this connection being performed via wireless communication means or by means of cabled systems (for example Ethernet).
In particular, the apparatus 1 may be connected to the network via the aforementioned means so as to be controlled remotely. For example, by means of suitable sensors connected to the various components of the apparatus 1, it is possible to remotely detect an incorrect operation of those components or in general to perform the monitoring and control thereof.
For example, it is possible to provide the presence of programmable logic controllers apt to control all the components of the apparatus 1, those controllers processing the signals from the various sensors.
Furthermore, it is possible to provide sensors able to detect the weight of the wrapper 3 on the conveyor belt 5, as well as a counter able to count the number of seals applied by the sealing machine 2, these components being possibly connected to the network for remote control of these parameters.
By means of this remote-control, it is therefore possible to check correct operation of the apparatus 1, as well as the actual number of seals applied. Furthermore, in addition to the correct operation and to the maintenance of the components, it is possible to determine whether a component is replaced with a non-original component, the production process being interrupted in case the components are not original components, are defective or have been tampered with or also in case the number of seals applied is greater than a preset number.
In other words, the apparatus 1 can be connected to other systems for the automatic control and monitoring thereof, as well as for the validation of the production process performed by it.
In the context of the packaging of food products, it is also very important to ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of the apparatus 1. This requirement is of even greater importance in the case where the positioning means 6 comprise the rotating suction means 13 which is inserted inside the wrapper 3. For this purpose, conveniently according to the present invention, the apparatus 1 comprises cleaning means, not shown in the figures, which ensure the hygienic condition and always optimum operation of the apparatus 1.
The monitoring and management of the entire apparatus 1 is performed by means of a user interface (not shown), which is connected to a central unit. For this purpose, the central unit is in turn connected to all the sensors and actuators of the apparatus 1 for the control and management thereof. More specifically, the central unit supervises both the positioning means 6 and the movement means 10, as well as the sealing machine 2, therefore managing in an automatic and centralized manner the entire apparatus 1. The central unit therefore executes a suitable algorithm for processing the signals from the various sensors and performing the control, also remotely, of the apparatus 1.
The central unit also performs the synchronization of the positioning means 6, the movement means 10 and the conveyor belt 5. More specifically, the central unit controls the operation of one or more electric motors through which the movement of those components is synchronized, even though the present invention is not limited thereto, the synchronization being possibly performed for example also by means of entirely mechanical or pneumatic systems.
It is also possible to provide a further central unit intended for the sole control of the sealing machine 2, even though only a single central unit may be provided.
According to an embodiment shown in Figure 9, the apparatus 1 comprises a covering structure or casing 16 apt to cover at least the sealing machine 2, the positioning means 6 and the movement means 10, acting as a protection system for these components.
Still referring to Figure 9, the casing 16 defines a region in which a control box 18 is arranged, said control box 18 in turn comprising the central unit and all the components required for the management of the apparatus 1, such as the aforementioned user interface, the controllers and the switches.
Finally, the apparatus 1 is structured in such a way that, at a first region of the conveyor belt 5, there is a loading area A1 in which the operator places the wrapper to be sealed and, at a second region of the conveyor belt 5, there is an unloading area A2 in which the sealed wrapper is situated and can be picked up by the operator or by automatic pick-up means.
The present invention also relates to a method for sealing a wrapper 3, the method being carried out by means of the apparatus 1 described above.
In particular, the sealing method comprises at least the steps of:

positioning the wrapper 3 on a conveyor belt 5; and
moving the wrapper 3 by means of the conveyor belt 5 towards a sealing machine 2 for applying a seal around the wrapper 3.

Advantageously according to the present invention, the method further comprises the steps of:

positioning a sealing portion of the wrapper 3 at a pick-up region P by means of positioning means 6;
transporting in an automatic manner the wrapper 3 from the pick-up region P towards an application head 2a of the sealing machine 2 by means of movement means 10; and
applying the seal automatically around the sealing portion of the wrapper 3.

In this way, it is possible to apply a seal around a wrapper in an automatic and efficient manner, by means of the combined action of the positioning means 6 and the movement means 10. In fact, after placing the wrapper 3 in a loading area A1 of the conveyor belt 5, the wrapper is transported by the conveyor belt and then picked up by the positioning means 6, which are operated to hold the wrapper 3 in the pick-up region P; the movement means 10 then transport the wrapper 3 to the sealing machine 2, which applies the seal, so that it is possible to pick up the sealed wrapper 3 at an unloading area A2.
In particular, the step of positioning a portion of the wrapper at the pick-up region P is performed by means of a suitable actuator, in particular a gripper 7, included in the positioning means 6. More specifically, the step of positioning comprises a step of moving the gripper 7 from an open position to a closed position, so as to retain the sealing portion of the wrapper 3 at the pick-up region P.
The pick-up and the subsequent conveying of the wrapper 3 towards the application head 2a of the sealing machine 2 is performed by means of the movement means 10, which pick up the wrapper 3 by means of a gripper 11 that is in turn moved by a chain 12.
According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the step of positioning comprises a step of inserting in the wrapper 3 a rotating suction means 13, such a step being preceded by a step of opening the wrapper 3 through opening means 15, thus allowing the entry therein of the rotating suction means 13.
In order to ensure the formation of the sealing portion, the aforementioned insertion step is followed by a step of suctioning air into the wrapper 3 by means of the rotating suction means 13 and by a step of rotating the rotating suction means 13, in particular a rotating end portion 13b thereof, in order to define the sealing portion in the wrapper 3.
In this way, conveniently, the air suction causes the adhesion of a portion of the wrapper to the rotating end portion 13b, thus facilitating the subsequent sealing of an initially open wrapper, the sealing being performed in a safe and hygienic manner.
As a consequence, the suction and rotation step are particularly important for ensuring that the subsequent sealing step is performed correctly both from a hygiene and from a qualitative point of view. Furthermore, the rotation is suitably calibrated since an incomplete rolling action results in an ineffective seal, while an excessive rolling action creates a rigid cordon on the neck of the wrapper which prevents the sealing process.
The positioning and sealing steps are performed simultaneously for two different wrappers arranged on the conveyor belt 5 so that, when a wrapper is in the sealing step, another wrapper is in the positioning step in the pick-up region P. As a result, the production speed is as fast as possible, obtaining performance levels which cannot be achieved by means of a manual operation of a single operator.
All the steps of the method of the present invention are monitored and managed by a central unit. More specifically, the central unit supervises both the positioning means 6 and the movement means 10, as well as the sealing machine 2, managing the entire process in an automatic and centralized manner, these means being suitably synchronized with each other.
In conclusion, the present invention provides a sealing apparatus wherein a wrapper containing a product, suitably arranged on a conveyor belt, is positioned in a preset position of the apparatus, as well as prepared for sealing, via suitable means, and then is picked up from that preset position and transported towards the application head of a sealing machine for the application of a seal to the wrapper.
Advantageously according to the present invention, the sealing apparatus is able to apply in an automatic, efficient and precise manner a seal around a wrapper, which can contain different types of products and have different shapes.
The positioning means allow positioning the wrapper to be sealed in a preset position and preparing it for subsequent sealing, while the movement means pick up the wrapper from this preset position and transport it towards a sealing machine for the application of the seal. The positioning means are therefore intended to assist the movement means, which otherwise would not manage to pick up the wrapper, which may be incorrectly positioned on the conveyor belt, and to ensure an efficient sealing process.
It is therefore clear that the apparatus described in the present specification solves the technical problem of the present invention, achieving significant advantages, such as the automation of the sealing process and the increase of the production speed.
Depending on the type of wrapper to be sealed, the positioning means can comprise an actuator such as a gripper in an open or closed configuration which holds the wrapper, or a rotating suction means that performs a rotational movement and at the same time suctions air inside the wrapper, making the apparatus according to the invention particularly versatile.
The possibility of closing, before sealing, an initially open wrapper by rolling up the wrapper by means of the rotating suction means makes the present apparatus particularly attractive for sealing many types of food products.
In addition, there is the fact that the present apparatus integrates the known technology of the sealing machines, in particular able to apply inviolable plastic seals, with an innovative automation process.
Obviously, a person skilled in the art, in order to meet particular needs and specifications, can carry out several changes and modifications to the sealing apparatus and method described above, all included in the protection scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

A sealing apparatus (1) comprising a sealing machine (2), in turn including an application head (2a) adapted to apply a seal around a wrapper (3) of a product, and a conveyor belt (5) adapted to move said wrapper (3) towards said sealing machine (2), said apparatus (1) being characterized in that it comprises positioning means (6) including at least one actuator (7, 13) adapted to position a sealing portion of said wrapper (3) at a pick-up region (P) of said apparatus (1), as well as movement means (10) adapted to transport said wrapper (3) from said pick-up region (P) towards said application head (2a) of said sealing machine (2) for applying said seal around said sealing portion of said wrapper (3).
The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one actuator (7) is a gripper operable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, said sealing portion of said wrapper (3) being held by said gripper (7) in said closed position at said pick-up region (P).
The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one actuator (13) is in the form of rotating suction means (13) comprising at least one rotating end portion (13b) adapted to be inserted inside said wrapper (3) and to suction air therein, said rotating suction means (13) defining said sealing portion of said wrapper (3) by means of a rotation of said rotating end portion (13b), said rotating suction means (13) holding said sealing portion of said wrapper (3) at said pick-up region (P).
The apparatus (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said positioning means (6) further comprise opening means (15) for keeping an opening of said wrapper (3) in an open condition, allowing the entry of said rotating suction means (13) inside said wrapper (3).
The apparatus (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that said opening means (15) comprise a first portion (15a), which is fixed, and a second portion (15b), which is movable towards and away from said first portion (15a), surfaces (Sa, Sb) facing each other of said first and second portions (15a, 15b) being provided with a plurality of air suction holes for keeping the opening of said wrapper (3) in said open condition.
The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said positioning means (6) comprise a support structure (8, 14) of said at least one actuator (7, 13), said support structure (8, 14) being movable between a first position, where said actuator (7, 13) is spaced from said wrapper (3), and a second position, where said actuator (7, 13) acts on said wrapper (3).
The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said movement means (10) comprise at least one gripper (11) adapted to pick up said wrapper (3) from said pick-up region (P) and to move said wrapper (3) towards said application head (2a) of said sealing machine (2), said at least one gripper (11) being moved by a chain (12).
The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said positioning means (6) and said movement means (10) are synchronized with each other and are synchronized with the movement of said conveyor belt (5).
The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said sealing machine (2) is adapted to apply a seal having a flap to be folded and a plate including a display portion displaying information about the product inside said wrapper (3), wherein said application head (2a) comprises means for folding said flap of said seal around said wrapper (3) and fixing said flap by means of fixing means, said sealing machine (2) further comprising printing means adapted to print data on said display portion of said seal, said fixing means being selected from an ultrasonic welder, a punching machine or gluing means.
The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said seal is made of a plastic material.
The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of sensors, which are connected to a central unit, for managing and controlling said apparatus (1), which is in turn connected to monitoring and control remote systems via suitable communication means, the signals of at least some of said sensors being sent to said remote systems via said communication means, said remote systems controlling said apparatus (1) on the basis of the signals of said sensors.
A method for sealing a wrapper (3) comprising at least the steps of:
- positioning said wrapper (3) on a conveyor belt (5); and

- moving said wrapper (3) by means of said conveyor belt (5) towards a sealing machine (2) for applying a seal around said wrapper (3),
said method being characterized in that it further comprises the steps of:
- positioning a sealing portion of said wrapper (3) at a pick-up region (P) by means of positioning means (6);

- transporting said wrapper (3) from said pick-up region (P) towards an application head (2a) of said sealing machine (2) by means of movement means (10); and

- applying said seal around said sealing portion of said wrapper (3).
The method according to claim 12, wherein said positioning step comprises a step of moving a gripper (7) from an open position to a closed position so as to form and/or hold said sealing portion of said wrapper (3) at said pick-up region (P).
The method according to claim 12, wherein said positioning step comprises a step of inserting in said wrapper (3) at least one rotating end portion (13b) of rotating suction means (13), said insertion step being followed by a step of suctioning air into said wrapper (3) by means of said rotating suction means (13) and by a step of rotating said rotating end portion (13b) of said rotating suction means (13) so as to define said sealing portion of said wrapper (3).
The method according to claim 14, wherein said insertion step is preceded by a step of keeping an opening of said wrapper (3) in an open condition by means of opening means (15), allowing the entry of said rotating suction means (13) into said wrapper (3).
The method according to any one of the claims from 12 to 15, wherein said positioning step and said sealing step are performed simultaneously for at least two different wrappers arranged on said conveyor belt (5).