WO2024110434A1

WO2024110434A1 - Packing station for fruit and vegetable products

Info

Publication number: WO2024110434A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/082490
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luca Benedetti
Original assignee: Unitec SpA
Current assignee: Unitec SpA
Priority date: 2022-11-23
Filing date: 2023-11-21
Publication date: 2024-05-30
Anticipated expiration: 2025-05-23
Also published as: AU2023386583A1; MX2025006011A; IT202200024066A1; PE20251658A1; EP4622880A1; CL2025001189A1

Abstract

A packing station for fruit and vegetable products (A),comprising: - at least one line (2), configured to convey in series deformable enclosures (B) which are kept resting on the line (2); the enclosures (B) house a plurality of fruit and vegetable products (A) and are open in an upward region at an end flap (C), which protrudes above the fruit and vegetable products (A), - at least one preparation assembly (3) for the end flap (C), which can move cyclically along at least one active portion of the line (2) and is adapted to keep the end flap (C) in a useful configuration, in which, while the enclosure (B) is being conveyed while resting on the line (2), the flap (C) is flattened to form two mutually opposite wings (E), - at least one device (4) for the mutual heat-sealing of the wings (E), which operates at a predefined section of the active portion.

Description

PACKING STATION FOR FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PRODUCTS

The present invention relates to a packing station for fruit and vegetable products.

As is known, fruits (for example cherries or walnuts) or other fruit and vegetable products are sometimes sold to the end consumer in packages that consist of a protective enclosure made of deformable polymeric material (a bag or a sack), which is often (but not always) closed hermetically.

The enclosure makes it possible to effectively protect the products from humidity and from ambient weather conditions, from insects and parasites, from dust and from other contaminants in general, while at the same time ensuring product visibility to the consumer, who can thus appreciate its aesthetic qualities.

Moreover, in the stages of movement involved in distribution to end sales points, an appropriate number of enclosures are accommodated inside rigid containers like crates and cases, of various dimensions and materials, which ensure greater resistance to shock and offer more practical modes of conveyance (on pallets).

Preparation of the packages illustrated above is done substantially manually, in particular owing to the difficulties encountered in attempts to automate the step of closing the enclosure, which must be performed while handling each product with the greatest care (knocks or impacts, even slight, could damage it irretrievably).

The difficulties are even greater in those cases where the enclosure is already accommodated in the containers, and also in those cases where the fruit and vegetable product needs to be packaged in a hermetically-sealed environment or even in a microperforated enclosure, since it is necessary to first remove the air, which otherwise, when the enclosure is closed, would increase volume of the packaging in an evidently unwelcome manner.

Typically therefore, not only the step of closing the enclosure but also the optional removal of the air are activities that are performed entirely manually by an operator, who must take the utmost care in handling, but this undesirably raises the cost of production and results in a higher limit for the hourly productivity that can be reached, which nowadays is unacceptable.

In fact, companies that operate in the sector of packaging and distribution of fruit and vegetable products increasingly often avail of apparatuses or lines that are at least partially automated, since only by doing so is it possible to reduce labor costs (which otherwise would always increase), while at the same time successfully meeting the needs of a demanding and diversified customer base.

It must also be observed that the manual operations described above require the operator to perform actions that are repetitive, tiring, and potentially the cause of chronic injury, if prolonged over time.

US4078358A discloses a bag-hanging machine including a mechanism for opening a bag on a stack of lay-flat bags supported on a tiltable support table, and transfer arms for withdrawing the opened bag and suspending the latter. US4078358 discloses also a bag-filling machine including a hopper spout for receiving the bag from the transfer arms and filling the bag with a bulk material. The filled bag has its mouth portion shaped and closed by pivotable members mounted on the hopper spout, and is then deposited on a conveyor for transport to a further bag processing station. The conveyor includes movable bag guides thereon for supporting the bag and preventing it from falling off.

US3896605A discloses an automatic apparatus and method for guiding and controlling bags to be filled, and then removed to and properly presented to a bag-closing apparatus in a plant for packing bulk products into the bags. Opening movable spout shells permit the dumping of the bulk products into the bag, while keeping the bag hanging and gripped against fixed jaws. A movable pressing device then comes back to a horizontal position in front of the bag, and grips it against a fixed pressing device. A pair of retractors keep the bag open during the fall of the bag onto a conveyor beneath the loading machine, which conveyor then moves the bag along between fixed slides. The bag may then be automatically presented to a bag-closing machine, such as a sewing machine.

The aim of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, by providing a station that makes it possible to at least partially automate the activities of packaging fruit and vegetable products.

Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a method that makes it possible to at least partially automate the activities of packaging fruit and vegetable products.

Another object of the invention is to provide a station and a method that make it possible to at least partially relieve the operator from the task of closing a deformable enclosure filled with fruit and vegetable products and possibly accommodated in turn in an outer container.

Another object of the invention is to provide a station and a method that make it possible to package fruit and vegetable products in deformable enclosures, in a practical manner and with proper care.

Another object of the invention is to provide a station that ensures a high reliability of operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a station that adopts an alternative technical and structural architecture to those of conventional stations.

Another object of the invention is to provide a station and a method that are easily implemented starting from elements and materials that are readily available on the market.

Another object of the invention is to provide a station and a method that are of low cost and are safely applied.

This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a station according to claim 1 and by a method according to claim 12. Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the station according to the invention, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a view from above of the packing station according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the station of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a front elevation view of the station of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a front elevation view of the station of Figure 1, without the components upstream of the predefined section of the line, in which the heat-sealing device operates;

Figures 5 to 10 effectively show an enlarged and partially cross- sectional detail of Figure 4 and show a possible cycle of operation of the heat- sealing device;

Figures 11 to 13 are front elevation views schematically illustrating the operation of the preparation assembly of the end flap;

Figure 14 is a view from above showing, in a different embodiment, a first portion of the conveyance line of the station according to the invention, seen in a first moment of operation;

Figure 15 is a front elevation view of the first portion of Figure 14;

Figure 16 is a view from above of the first portion of Figure 15, seen in a second moment of operation;

Figure 17 is a front elevation view of the first portion of Figure 16;

Figure 18 is a block diagram of the method according to the invention.

With particular reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a packing station for fruit and vegetable products A.

According to the invention, the station 1 comprises first of all at least one line 2 (a conveying line), which is configured to transport deformable enclosures B (i.e. made of deformable material, which do not inherently maintain or ensure a predefined shape) in series, while they are kept resting on the line 2.

In a preferred embodiment, when they are delivered to the line 2, the enclosures B already accommodate a plurality of fruit and vegetable products A inside them and are open in an upper region at an end flap C, which protrudes above the fruit and vegetable products A (as in Figures 5- 10).

The term "line" 2 is used here in its conventional meaning of an ordered succession of contrivances that cooperate in the execution of a series of tasks (in this case relating to conveying the products A). The line 2 and the contrivances that it comprises therefore identify or define the path imposed on the products A, upstream to downstream.

In this regard, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are here used in their common meanings and refer to the direction of motion imposed on the products A along the line 2. With reference to the embodiment in the accompanying drawings, this direction is clearly illustrated by an arrow which is shown (for the sake of simplicity) only in Figure 1.

For example, the movement of the enclosures B can be entrusted to one or more conveyor belts 2a, variously shaped and in any case aligned, so as to make the enclosures B follow a straight (preferably horizontal) path. The possibility is not ruled out of adopting different embodiments of the belts 2a (so as to define more articulated paths), or of using different movement devices.

It should be noted that in the preferred application, and in the accompanying figures, when the enclosures B are fed to the line 2, they are located inside rigid containers D (with predefined shape) which are open in an upward region.

The containers D are usually crates (or cases); they can be (typically but not exclusively) box- shaped (parallelepiped) and they can for example be made of cardboard, wood or polymeric material. Figures 14-17 show, for the sake of simplicity, only the containers D (although in the corresponding moments of operation they contain the enclosures B, which in turn are filled with products A). The person skilled in the art can easily understand the placement of the enclosures B inside them, which effectively corresponds to what can be seen for example in Figures 5-10.

The protection claimed herein therefore includes both lines 2 that convey only enclosures B (with the products A inside them) and also lines 2 configured to move enclosures B placed in containers D (and which, in any case, obviously contain products A).

More generally, the scope of protection claimed herein extends to the use of the station 1 for packaging any fruit and vegetable product A (fruit, root vegetables, leaf vegetables, etc.). Furthermore, although typically the enclosures B are filled with a single type of fruit and vegetable product A, the possibility is not ruled out that the same enclosure B can hold two or more types of products A simultaneously or that the station 1 can be converted to the packaging of a different type of product A, after its installation and after its first use.

Likewise, in the preferred (but not exclusive) application and in the accompanying figures, the product A is a fruit and in particular cherries or peanuts (as shown in the accompanying figures); it could in any case be another product A for which the need is felt to perform the packaging in the manner effected by the station 1.

The enclosure B is typically made of polymeric material (it is a bag or a sack for example; in the preferred application, and as can clearly be seen for example from Figures 5-10, the plurality of products A is accommodated in the enclosure B so as to fill it up to a level corresponding to the height of the lateral walls of the container D (if applicable, obviously). The products A occupy almost all the space inside the container D, and obviously the enclosure B that accommodates them, being made of deformable material, adapts and ends up being spread out along the bottom and the lateral walls of the container D. When it is fed to the line 2, the enclosure B, as mentioned, protrudes above the plurality of fruit and vegetable products A and, if applicable, above the container D (above its lateral walls) with its end flap C, which surrounds and defines the mouth through which the filling is previously performed.

Any conventional method can be adopted for filling the enclosures B and delivering these enclosures to the line 2 (already filled or filled while on the line), and in any case the station 1 then performs the packaging of the products A thus supplied, where the packaging consists in closing (optionally hermetically) the enclosures B, optionally contained in respective containers D and accommodating the products A, in the manner described below.

According to the invention, the station 1 also comprises at least one preparation assembly 3 (preparation for sealing) of the flap C, which can move cyclically substantially along at least one active portion of the line 2 and is adapted to keep the end flap C of the enclosure B in a useful configuration, in which, while the enclosure B is being conveyed while resting on the line 2, the flap C is flattened (either subjected to a traction action, or under tension) to form two mutually opposite wings E.

In other words, the preparation assembly 3 pulls the flap C open at two diametrically opposite regions thereof, so as to form two mutually opposite wings E (two horizontal strips) (one of these can clearly be seen in Figure 2 and in any case both are shown in cross-section for example in Figures 5-10). Preferably (but not necessarily), until the assembly 3 intervenes (or when it intervenes), an operator F can keep the enclosure B open and facilitate the action of the assembly 3, for example in the manner that will be explained below.

The active portion can consist of a fraction of the line 2 or it can coincide with the latter (so in the latter case, the assembly 3 effectively operates along the entire line 2 comprised in the station 1). It must likewise be noted that the station 1 typically comprises an electronic contrivance configured to synchronize the feeding of the enclosures B to the line 2 with the assembly 3: in more detail, the contrivance ensures that each enclosure B is delivered to the line 2 with timing and in a manner such that it will always find the assembly 3 available.

Furthermore, according to the invention the station 1 comprises at least one device 4 for the mutual heat-sealing of the wings E, which operates at a predefined section of the active portion. Typically, at the predefined section the enclosure B is temporarily kept stationary, in order to allow the heat- sealing to be executed. Differently from the assembly 3, the device 4 does not move along the line 2 to accompany the enclosure B to be heat-sealed while it is being moved downstream, but operates only at the predefined section.

So in fact, while the flap C is kept in the useful configuration by the assembly 3, the device 4 closes the enclosure B (whether or not it is accommodated in the container D) by virtue of the heat-sealing performed by the device 4.

Thus, downstream of the line 2 the station 1 supplies products A packaged in a closed enclosure B (possibly accommodated in a container D), as required in some specific application contexts. Therefore the set aim is achieved from this point onward.

Typically, the closure executed by the heat-sealing is also hermetic, although in some cases (especially if perforated or micro-perforated enclosures B are used) it may not be. Both possibilities are included in the scope of protection claimed herein.

It is possible to provide the station 1 with one or more presence checking sensors 5, which act according to any known technology for verifying the presence and the correct placement of the flap C and of the two wings E, for example with respect to the preparation assembly 3, before the action of the device 4: if the check returns a negative result, then the device 4 can activate a cycle to recover the enclosure B (which for example can be removed prematurely from the line 2 and/or returned upstream, for example by activating a pusher 6, a possible embodiment of which can be seen in Figure 1) instead of activating its heat- sealing cycle.

Furthermore, the device 4 can be served by a cooling circuit 7 (Figures 5-10), which for example can generate an air blade that blows toward the region of heat- sealing in order to compensate the heating of the enclosure B.

In the preferred embodiment, illustrated in the accompanying figures for the purposes of non-limiting example of the application of the invention, the device 4 comprises at least one pair of heat-sealing bars 8 (which operate according to methods that can be chosen from the background art), which are mutually parallel and arranged facing toward the predefined section of the active portion, on opposite sides with respect to the line 2 (and with respect to the enclosures B). Effectively, the bars 8 are oriented parallel to the advancement trajectory G of the enclosures B, imposed by the line 2, with said enclosures coming to be interposed, with their wings E in particular, between the bars 8.

The bars 8 can perform an alternating translation, along a first common trajectory H (Figures 5-10) of mutual approach (Figures 6-9) and distancing (Figure 10), at least between a first limit condition, wherein the bars 8 are mutually spaced apart (as in Figure 5 for example), and a second limit condition, wherein they are substantially in mutual contact (with the interposition of the flap C and such as for example in Figure 9), in order to clamp and heat-seal (together) the wings E of an enclosure B arranged in the predefined section, while it is held by the assembly 3 in the useful configuration. The directions in which the translations of mutual approach and distancing occur are clearly shown respectively in Figures 6-9 and in Figure 10. Usefully, the station 1 can also comprise removal means 9 for removing the air contained in the end flap C of the enclosure B.

In fact, often the enclosures B fed to the station 1 are lacking any hole or opening (because the goal is to obtain a hermetic closure) or they have a micro-perforation that allows only a form of “breathing” for the products A inside them: in both cases, when heat-sealing is complete the air that may have accumulated inside them will not be able to exit, and this will determine a perceptible, and unwanted, increase in bulk. The removal means 9 are therefore particularly useful for this type of enclosure B: they act immediately before the heat-sealing is performed (and typically on a part of the enclosure B underneath the part intended to be heat-sealed) in order to remove the air from inside the flap C (the air present between the wings E) and immediately after the device 4 heat-seals the edges of said wings E (the edges that delimit or delimited its mouth), in so doing obtaining the heatsealing and the desired packaging of the products A.

Typically (but not necessarily), the means 9 are mechanically connected to the heat- sealing device 4, operating proximate to it and in particular acting, preferably, in a somehow coordinated manner with the latter (as mentioned, in order to execute the removal of the air a few moments before the heat- sealing).

In particular, in the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures for the purposes of non-limiting example of application of the invention, the removal means 9 comprise at least one pair of first plates 10, which are mutually parallel and are arranged facing toward the predefined section of the active portion. In other words, as with the bars 8, the first plates 10 are also oriented parallel to (and arranged on opposite sides of) the advancement trajectory G of the enclosures B, imposed by the line 2.

The first plates 10 can perform an alternating translation, along a second common trajectory I of mutual approach and distancing, at least between a first limit position, wherein the first plates 10 are mutually spaced apart (as in Figure 5 for example), and a second limit position, wherein the first plates 10 are substantially in mutual contact (with the interposition of the flap C and such as for example in Figure 7), so as to be able to compress and heat-seal the wings E of an enclosure B arranged in the predefined section, while it is held by the assembly 3 in the useful configuration. This makes it possible to obtain the (forced) removal of the air contained in the flap C.

Effectively, as clearly shown in Figures 5-10 for example, each bar 8 is located just above a respective first plate 10, with the common trajectories H, I mutually parallel.

However, the possibility is not ruled out of also obtaining the removal of the air by other means (by adopting solutions to integrate with the first plates 10 or to substitute them). For example, the removal means 9 could comprise a suction inlet, connected by means of a respective pneumatic circuit to an element for generating a pneumatic depression and positionable at the flap C, which is (preliminarily) arranged in the useful configuration, in order to extract the air contained between the two wings E. The inlet can be chosen to substitute the first plates 10 or to cooperate with them.

More specifically, the station 1 also comprises at least one pair of brushes 11, coupled to the lower edge of respective bars 8 or of corresponding first plates 10, in order to skim ("caress") the plurality of fruit and vegetable products A during the mutual approach (and possibly the distancing) of the bars 8 or of the first plates 10, and in any case in order to facilitate the egress of the air from the enclosure B.

It must be remembered that the integrity of the products A must obviously be preserved during their packaging: for this reason the various components involved will be dimensioned so that the bars 8 and/or the first plates 10 are kept at a suitable distance from the top of the products A, so guarding against the risk of impacts and damage and leaving the products A to be, at worst, caressed by the brushes 11 (which can in any case in turn perform an action to remove the air, in compressing the wings E).

The brushes 11 can be made monolithically with the bars 8 and/or the first plates 10 or they can be a separate component, in such case being coupled in various ways to the latter.

It is possible for the approach and distancing motion to occur jointly for the bars 8 and the first plates 10. Likewise, the bars 8 move (translate) completely or at least partially independently of the translation motion of the first plates 10.

In an embodiment of the invention of significant practical interest and illustrated in the accompanying figures, the station 1 comprises first linear actuators 12, which are configured to actuate the alternating translation of respective bars 8 and corresponding first plates 10, along the corresponding common trajectories H, I, in a mutually integral manner.

The first actuators 12 can be, or can comprise, first pistons which are supported by respective cylinders 13 and are actuated pneumatically, hydraulically, with oil hydraulics or in another way, while remaining within the scope of protection claimed herein. The first actuators 12 can in any case be provided using other technologies.

Furthermore, in this embodiment the station 1 also comprises second linear actuators 14, which are supported by respective first linear actuators 12 with the possibility to mutually translate, and are configured to actuate the alternating translation of respective bars 8 along the first common trajectory H, independently of corresponding first plates 10.

The second actuators 14 can be, or can comprise, second pistons which can slide coaxially inside the first pistons and are actuated pneumatically or hydraulically. In any case, the possibility is not ruled out of using different movement technologies.

In this manner, by keeping the second actuators 14 stationary it is possible to simultaneously move the bars 8 and the first plates 10 towards and away from each other (by actuating the first actuators 12, which support both of them); conversely, by keeping the first actuators 12 stationary and actuating the second ones, it is possible to move only the bars 8.

Preferably, when the clamping by the first plates 10 is complete, the first actuators 12 can proceed with the approach translation, by virtue of the compression of springs 15 on which the first plates 10 are mounted, until further second plates 16 (if present), which are located just above the first plates 10, come into substantial contact (with interposition of the flap C). The second plates 16 push any air that may be trapped between the flaps C further upward (outward) and they are particularly useful when they act on very tall enclosures B, in that otherwise air could still remain trapped in the part of the flap C comprised between the part destined to be heat-sealed and the part clamped by the first plates 10.

The choice to move the first plates 10 (with the second plates 16, if present) at least partially independently of the bars 8 makes it possible to have these elements execute heat-sealing and air-removal cycles that are variously coordinated and more or less synchronized, in accordance with the specific requirements (for example by programming or reprogramming a PLC as desired). An example in this regard of a heat-sealing cycle will be explained below.

Usefully, the bars 8 and, if present, the plates 10 (and optionally also the linear actuators 12, 14 just introduced) can be supported by a supporting structure 17 with the possibility to adjust the respective vertical working heights, along which they are provided with the previously-introduced possibility of alternating translation along the respective and previously- mentioned common trajectories H, I. In this way it is possible to choose at what height (from the ground or from any horizontal reference plane) to make the bars 8 and/or the first plates 10 translate. This is found to be of particular practical interest in increasing the versatility of the invention, in that the station 1 can thus easily handle enclosures B (and/or containers D) fed one after the other to the line 2 with different formats in each instance, while always executing the heat- sealing in any case at (for example) the upper edge of the wings E. Preferably, the structure 17 supports the bars 8 and, if present, the first plates 10 on both sides.

In a first embodiment of the invention, it is possible to manually adjust the vertical working heights, and this task can therefore be assigned to a technician or an operator.

In an embodiment of significant practical interest, the station 1 can comprise at least one measurement system 18 of at least one dimension of each enclosure B and an electronic unit 19 for control and management, functionally associated at least with the measurement system 18 and provided with instructions at least for the consequent (automatic) adjustment of the vertical working heights of the bars 8 and of the first plates 10 (if present), on the basis of a direct or indirect determination of the height of the enclosures B. The system 18 can be directly capable of measuring the height of the enclosures B (using any known technology) and of communicating it to the unit 19, so that the latter will apply the desired adjustment. Alternatively, the unit 19 can be capable of indirectly determining the height, on the basis of other dimensions measured by the system 18 (as will become clearer with an example explained below).

This adjustment can in any case be performed once, at each change of batch, or continuously, for each enclosure B in transit, so as to enable a height adjustment (of the bars 8 and, if present, of the first plates 10) for each enclosure B, in so doing optimizing the quality of the heat seals.

In this sense therefore, the electronic unit 19 is capable of controlling actuation systems, motors and/or other elements responsible for the adjustment of the vertical working height, at which the bars 8 and/or the first plates 10 can translate.

The electronic unit 19 (shown only schematically in Figures 4 and 14) can be of any type, and for example it can be a controller, a PLC or an electronic computer, mounted along any point of the line 2 or even remotely; it can furthermore be dedicated solely to processing the data items acquired by the system 18 and therefore to controlling the vertical heights of the bars 8 and/or the first plates 10, or it can be a controller or a PLC that also performs other tasks. Typically however, it is the same electronic element that oversees and controls the operation of the entire station 1 (and optionally of the plant in which it is inserted).

With reference to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 14-17, and therefore in the case where the line 2 is supplied with enclosures B placed beforehand in respective substantially box-like rigid containers D, the system 18 comprises at least first elements for measuring (using any known method) the stroke of a pair of first pressers 20a, which can move with a straight alternating motion along the advancement trajectory G of the enclosures B imposed by the line 2 until they stop upon contact with the enclosures B, in order to measure a first, longitudinal dimension dl of each container D and of the respective enclosure B. In other words, upon contact with the enclosures B the first pressers 20a stop and the first elements, detecting the measured stroke, supply the first dimension dl (obviously if the relative distance at the start of the stroke is known). Furthermore, the system 18 comprises at least second elements for measuring (using any known method) the stroke of a pair of second pressers 20b, which can move with a straight alternating motion along a straight line (horizontal and) transverse to the advancement trajectory G of the enclosures B imposed by the line 2 until they stop upon contact with said enclosures B, for the measurement of a second, transverse dimension d2 of each container D and of the respective enclosure B. The logic with which the second elements perform the measurement is the same as that adopted by the first elements.

More simply, the first dimension dl and the second dimension d2, identified in Figures 14 and 16, correspond to the length and to the width of the container D and therefore to the corresponding dimensions of the enclosure B which, as seen, effectively fills the container D completely, spreading out on the bottom and against the walls of the latter.

The pressers 20a, 20b can comprise pneumatic or hydraulic actuation systems or they can be provided in any other manner. This indirect method of measurement of the dimensions of the enclosure B, via contact, is found to be of particular practical interest because it makes it possible to overcome the limitations of optical measurement instruments, which operate with difficulty when the dimensions to be measured are of transparent objects (as is often the case with the enclosures B).

It should be noted in any case that the possibility exists of using different measurement sensors or methods, while remaining within the scope of protection claimed herein.

Furthermore, the unit 19 can be provided with instructions for (indirectly) determining the height of each enclosure B, so as to adjust the vertical working height of the bars 8 as a consequence and, if applicable, of the first plates 10, on the basis of the information relating to the first dimension dl and to the second dimension d2 and a database containing standard dimensions of the enclosures B (and/or of containers D). These functionalities can also be provided to the unit 19 in the case where the dimensions dl, d2 are acquired in a manner different to that just described.

In particular, the database can contain information on the standard length, width and height of enclosures B and/or containers D, so as to be able to determine the height of the enclosures B once the length and width are known.

In an embodiment of significant practical interest, illustrated in the accompanying figures for the purposes of non-limiting example of the invention, the assembly 3 comprises at least one framework 21 for the support and movement, along at least one vertical axis Ai (Figures 1, 3 and 4) and a longitudinal axis A₂ (oriented parallel to the advancement trajectory G of the enclosures B imposed by the line 2, as can be seen in Figure 1), of a supporting apparatus 22 for a pair of rods 23, arranged vertically and mutually side by side.

The rods 23 are supported by the apparatus 22 with the possibility of relative translation of the enclosures B along the advancement trajectory G, imposed by the line 2, between an arrangement of minimum mutual distance (the extent of which is in any case chosen at will), in which they can be inserted in an open enclosure B arranged at a first end, upstream of the active portion, and an arrangement of maximum mutual distance, in which they keep the flap C in the useful configuration.

Until the moment when the rods 23 intervene to support and therefore keep the flap C in the useful configuration, the enclosure B is kept open preferably manually. During the alternating translation, the rods 23 are moved parallel to each other, while remaining vertical, along a horizontal trajectory (of mutual approach or distancing).

The framework 21 handles, using any known method, the vertical movement of the rods 23 (integrally with the apparatus 22, which to this end is moved along the vertical axis Ai), while, using known technologies, the two bars 23 are given the possibility of relative translation between the arrangements of minimum and maximum distance.

More precisely, the rods 23 are moved vertically downward from above (in the arrangement of minimum mutual distance) in order to be slid inside the flap C of the enclosure B (Figure 11), which until that point is kept open, for example by the operator F (whose presence therefore can be required solely for this simple and rapid activity). Subsequently, the rods 23 automatically spread out (Figure 12), moving to the arrangement of maximum mutual distance, and in this way they open out the flap C as desired, forming the two mutually opposite wings E and so providing the useful configuration (Figure 13), which is maintained while the enclosure B is moved along the active portion (the rods 23 follow the enclosure B synchronously by virtue of the movement along the longitudinal axis A₂ of the apparatus 22). After the heat-sealing, the rods 23 follow the reverse path, and are lifted to exit from the bulk of the enclosure B.

The line 2 can impose (in its active portion in particular) a straight path on the enclosures B, along which one or more assemblies 3 move back and forth: in particular, it is first of all possible for the station 1 to comprise a single assembly 3, but preferably it comprises (at least) two of them.

In particular, in an embodiment of significant practical interest, the station 1 comprises at least two preparation assemblies 3, which can move alternately along at least the (straight) active portion of the line 2 and which are adapted to keep the flaps C of respective enclosures B in the corresponding useful configurations.

Thus, while a first assembly 3 returns to the first end, upstream of the active portion, after the heat-sealing of an enclosure B, a second assembly 3 keeps a second enclosure B in the useful configuration, accompanying it in turn while it advances to the predefined section, where the heat-sealing will be performed.

In this context, a first assembly 3 comprises a first framework 21 for supporting and moving a respective apparatus 22, along the vertical axis Ai and the longitudinal axis A₂ only.

Furthermore, the station 1 comprises a second assembly 3 which comprises in turn a second framework 21 for supporting and moving a respective apparatus 22 along the vertical axis Ai, the longitudinal axis A₂, and also a transverse axis A₃ (Figures 3 and 4), which is perpendicular to the first two.

When the first assembly 3 has to return upstream, after the heatsealing of a respective enclosure B, the movement along the vertical axis Ai (which is also necessary in order to enable the introduction and the removal of the rods 23 into/from the enclosure B) makes it possible to lift the rods 23 and the other components involved above the second assembly 3, which in the meantime can advance under the first assembly in order to keep another enclosure B in the useful configuration, accompanying it toward the predefined section. By contrast, the return of the second assembly 3 avails of the ability to move along the transverse axis A₃, so as to take the rods 23 away from the line 2 during the return movement toward the end upstream of the active portion, where the rods can await a new enclosure B.

In this regard, it is possible for the second framework 21 to comprise (or consist of) a Cartesian robot, which offers the possibility of moving the apparatus 22 along the three axes A A₂, A₃.

The path imposed by the line 2 on the enclosures B and the path of the assemblies 3 can in any case be of a different type: for example, the assemblies can be moved along an annular trajectory that flanks, for a portion thereof, the active portion of the line 2.

In addition to the station 1 , the protection claimed herein also covers a method 100 for packaging fruit and vegetable products A, which is executed by a station 1 according to what is described up to this point (reference can also be made to the foregoing pages for the types of packaging and products A).

The method first of all comprises a step a. which entails conveying in series, along a line 2 (the line of the station 1 described up to here), a plurality of deformable enclosures B, each one of which accommodates a plurality of fruit and vegetable products A, in such a way that the enclosures B are kept resting on the line 2 and are kept open in an upward region, at an end flap C that protrudes above the fruit and vegetable products A. The step a. can optionally include inserting the enclosures B into containers D.

Inserting the products A into the enclosures B can occur before the enclosures are placed on the line 2 or when they are already on it.

During the conveyance, in a step b. the method entails keeping, along at least one active portion of the line 2, the end flap C in a useful configuration, in which it is flattened to form two mutually opposite wings E. The step b. can be performed by the preparation assembly 3.

Subsequently, in a step c., the method entails mutually heat-sealing the wings E at a predefined section of the active portion. The step e. can be performed by the heat-sealing device 4.

The operation of the station according to the invention is therefore already evident from the discussion in the foregoing pages, but below, with reference in particular to the accompanying Figures 5-10, a possible example of a cycle of heat-sealing (and air removal) is explained in detail, which can be performed in the preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the invention.

The bars 8 and the first plates 10 are initially spaced apart as in Figure 5; if an enclosure B is present in the predefined section of the active portion, the first actuators 12 intervene to move the bars 8 and the first plates 10 closer together (Figure 6), until the latter clamp the wings E, so causing the exit of the air upward (Figure 7). Note that during the approach, preferably the brushes 11 have skimmed the products A, in so doing driving the air present upward, forcing it to exit from the enclosure B.

The action of the first actuators 12 proceeds further in the same direction: the springs 15 are elastically compressed while the first plates 10 remain clamped on the wings E, until the second plates 16 are also brought to clamp the wings E (Figure 8).

Having reached this situation, the action of the first actuators 12 stops and, while the rods 23 are moved upward so as not to interfere with the movement of the bars 8, the second actuators 14 are actuated and move the bars 8 to clamp the wings E, in order to allow the heat- sealing (Figure 9). With heat-sealing completed, the actuators 12, 14 intervene to move bars 8 and first plates 10 away (Figure 10), while the rods 23 are lifted further in order to prepare them for a new cycle.

As shown in the accompanying Figures 5-10, the presence checking sensor 5 introduced in the foregoing pages can be mounted on a first actuator 12 (Figure 5 also shows its field of view, directed toward the flap C, between the two rods 23 of the preparation assembly 3). In practice it has been found that the packaging station 1 according to the invention fully achieves the set aim, in that by virtue of the cooperation of the assembly 3 (which keeps the flap C of the enclosure B in the useful configuration) with the device 4 (which at least heat-seals the mutually opposite wings E), the station 1 makes it possible to at least partially automate the process of packaging fruit and vegetable products A.

In fact, according to the invention the role of the operator F (who according to traditional practice is responsible for all the steps just described) is at most to keep the flap C of the enclosure B open for a few moments, before the rods 23 or in any case the assembly 3 intervene to do it.

In particular therefore, by virtue of the station 1, the operator F is relieved at least partially (almost completely) of the task of closing (hermetically or otherwise) the protective enclosure B around the fruit and vegetable products A, while the enclosure B is optionally accommodated in the container D.

By virtue of the almost complete automation of the packaging (which can be completed by using automatic instruments to initially keep the enclosure B open), the station 1 makes it possible to package, in a practical, easy and economical manner, fruit and vegetable products A wrapped in a protective enclosure B and in turn optionally accommodated in a rigid container D. The brushes 11 and in general the fact that the first plates 10 and the bars 8 can be kept at a suitable distance from the top of the products A is an assurance that the products are handled with suitable care.

The station 1 operates continuously, with the assemblies 3 moving back and forth along the active portion, and the possibility in particular of using two or more assemblies 3 ensures high productivity (without requiring efforts or complex activities of the operators F).

The possibility of adjusting the vertical working heights of the bars 8 and, if present, of the first plates 10 (be it manual or automatic, for example by using the system 18) ensures maximum versatility for the invention, in that it makes it possible to work on enclosures B of any format, in a manner that is in any case optimal.

The versatility of the invention is further increased by the possibility of moving the bars 8 and the first plates 10 independently of each other; the rules of motion of these components can be configured at will, in order to execute cycles of heat-sealing and air removal in accordance with the different requirements of each user.

The station 1 operates using contrivances that are simply and practically implemented and this is an assurance of reliability, as well as of economy.

The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

In the embodiments illustrated, individual characteristics shown in relation to specific examples may in reality be substituted with other, different characteristics, existing in other embodiments.

In practice, the materials employed, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102022000024066 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. A packing station for fruit and vegetable products (A), characterized in that it comprises:

- at least one line (2), configured to convey in series deformable enclosures (B) which are kept resting on said line (2), which house a plurality of fruit and vegetable products (A) and are open in an upward region at an end flap (C), which protrudes above the fruit and vegetable products (A),

- at least one preparation assembly (3) for the end flap (C), which can move cyclically along at least one active portion of said at least one line (2) and is adapted to keep the end flap (C) of the enclosure (B) in a useful configuration, in which, while the enclosure (B) is being conveyed while resting on said line (2), the flap (C) is flattened to form two mutually opposite wings (E),

- at least one device (4) for the mutual heat-sealing of the wings (E), which operates at a predefined section of said active portion.

2. The station according to claim 1, characterized in that said device (4) comprises at least one pair of heat-sealing bars (8), which are mutually parallel and are arranged so as to face said predefined section, on opposite sides with respect to said line (2), said bars (8) being able to translate alternately, along a first common mutual approach and distancing trajectory (H), at least between a first limit condition, wherein said bars (8) are mutually spaced apart, and a second limit condition, wherein said bars (8) are substantially in mutual contact, for the clamping and heat- sealing of the wings (E) of an enclosure (B) arranged in said predefined section in said useful configuration.

3. The station according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises removal means (9) for removing the air contained in the end flap (C) of the enclosure (B).

4. The station according to claim 3, characterized in that said removal means (9) comprise at least one pair of first plates (10), which are mutually parallel and arranged so as to face said predefined section, said first plates (10) being able to translate alternately, along a second common mutual approach and distancing trajectory (I), at least between a first limit position, wherein said first plates (10) are mutually spaced apart, and a second limit position, wherein said first plates (10) are substantially in mutual contact, for the compression of the wings (E) of an enclosure (B) arranged in said predefined section in said useful configuration.

5. The station according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that it comprises at least one pair of brushes (11), coupled to the lower edge of respective said bars (8) or of corresponding said first plates (10), for skimming the fruit and vegetable products (A) during the mutual approach of said bars (8) or of said first plates (10).

6. The station according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that it comprises:

- first linear actuators (12), configured to actuate said alternating translation of respective said bars (8) and of corresponding said first plates (10), along their said common mutual approach and distancing trajectories (H, I), in a mutually integral manner, and

- second linear actuators (14), supported by respective said first linear actuators (12) with the possibility to mutually translate, and configured to actuate said alternating translation of respective said bars (8) along said first common trajectory (H), independently of corresponding said first plates (10).

7. The station according to one or more of claims 2-6, characterized in that said bars (8) and said first plates (10) are supported by a supporting structure (17) with the possibility to adjust the respective vertical working heights, along which they are provided with said possibility of alternating translation along the respective said common trajectories (H, I).

8. The station according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises at least one measurement system (18) of at least one dimension of each enclosure (B) and an electronic unit (19) for control and management, functionally associated at least with said measurement system (18) and provided with instructions at least for the consequent adjustment of said vertical working heights of said bars (8) and of said first plates (10) on the basis of a direct or indirect determination of the height of the enclosures (B).

9. The station according to claim 8, wherein said line (2) is fed with enclosures (B) placed in respective substantially box-like rigid containers (D), characterized in that said measurement system (18) comprises at least first elements for measuring the stroke of a pair of first pressers (20a), which can move with a straight alternating motion along the advancement trajectory (G) of the enclosures (B) imposed by said line (2) until they stop upon contact with said enclosures (B), for the measurement of a first, longitudinal dimension (dl) of each container (D) and of the respective enclosure (B), and at least second elements for measuring the stroke of a pair of second pressers (20b) which can move with a straight alternating motion along a straight line transverse to the advancement direction of the enclosures (B) imposed by said line (2) until they stop upon contact with said enclosures (B), for the measurement of a second, transverse dimension (d2) of each container (D) and of the respective enclosure (B), said unit (19) being provided with instructions for determining the height of each enclosure (B) on the basis of the information relating to said first dimension (dl) and said second dimension (d2) and a database containing standard dimensions of the enclosures (B).

10. The station according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said preparation assembly (3) comprises at least one support and movement framework (21) for the support and movement, along at least one vertical axis (Ai) and one longitudinal axis (A₂), of a supporting apparatus (22) for a pair of rods (23) arranged vertically and mutually side by side, said rods (23) being supported by said supporting apparatus (22) with the possibility of relative translation of the enclosures (B) along the advancement trajectory (G), imposed by said line (2), between an arrangement of minimum mutual distance, in which they can be inserted in an open enclosure (B) arranged at a first end, upstream, of said active portion, and an arrangement of maximum mutual distance, in which they keep the flap (C) in the useful configuration.

11. The station according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises at least two said preparation assemblies (3), which can move alternately along at least said active portion of said line (2) and are adapted to keep the flaps (C) of respective enclosures (B) in the corresponding useful configurations, a first said assembly (3) comprising a first said framework (21) for the support and movement of a respective said apparatus (22) along said vertical axis (Ai) and said longitudinal axis (A₂) only, a second said assembly (3) comprising a second said framework (21) for the support and movement of a respective said apparatus (22) along said vertical axis (Ai), said longitudinal axis (A₂) and a transverse axis (A₃), which is perpendicular to said vertical axis (Ai) and to said longitudinal axis (A₂).

12. A method for packaging fruit and vegetable products (A), actuated by means of a station (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, which comprises the following steps: a. conveying in series, along a line (2), a plurality of deformable enclosures (B), which accommodate a plurality of fruit and vegetable products (A), while keeping the enclosures (B) resting on said line (2) and open in an upper region, at an end flap (C) that protrudes above the fruit and vegetable products (A), b. keeping, along at least one active portion of the line (2), the end flap (C) in a useful configuration, in which it is flattened to form two mutually opposite wings (E), c. mutually heat- sealing the wings (E) at a predefined section of the active portion.