EP2894103B1 - Method and device for packaging food products into individual portions - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a method for packaging food products in individual portions, and in particular cubic-shaped bouillon blocks, made with components agglomerated by pressing in a press, in which process said blocks of bouillons are packaged by means of a packing machine.

It also relates to a machine for packaging food products in individual portions, and in particular cubic bouillon blocks made with components agglomerated by compression in a press.

Prior art

Certain food products, such as for example broths made by compression with components agglomerated in a press and coming out of this press in the form of individual blocks, cubic or parallelepipedic, must be conveyed to a packaging machine which packs them in a material packaging for their protection and preservation. These product blocks are fragile, friable and only support low pressure and frictional stresses. They must therefore be handled with delicacy and a lot of precautions, without shocks or accelerations too important. In addition, for economic reasons, these products must be manufactured in very large quantities and, therefore, at very high speed, so that their transport to a packaging machine is carried out at high speed. It is therefore necessary to apply fast transfer solutions that respect the quality and aesthetics of the products.

So that the desired rates can be achieved, the products are preferably manufactured on so-called double track presses, that is to say machines with two production tracks and the products are moved on parallel conveyor belts that deliver the individual products in pairs to the packing units.

Broths have become consumer products and are preferably presented in the form of cubes. They must be conditioned at a very high rate so that their cost is compatible with the markets on which they are developing.

In addition, the fragility of the products implies smooth packaging while remaining very fast. Only continuous kinematics production that avoids stopping and strong acceleration is able to meet these conditions.

Currently no known machine works in a continuous kinematics to package products manufactured continuously in pairs and carrying these products on two parallel tracks.

There are two-track packaging machines with non-continuous or intermittent kinematics. The intermittent movement of the products limits the rate of conditioning to which the rate of production must be adapted and moreover, the products are subjected to higher stresses because of the very high accelerations which they undergo after each stop.

Furthermore, there are machines with continuous kinematics, having higher speeds and therefore theoretically larger production rates, but they work on a single track, which requires grouping of mechanically complicated products. The publication EP-2143645 discloses a feeding and grouping solution of two tracks in one for rectangular broth tablets type products. This way of proceeding is necessary because the products are of rectangular shape, so that the folding takes place "end", that is to say on the lateral sides of products, which requires the presence of embedded folding tools, mounted laterally on drums on either side of the packaging wheel that transports the products on a single track. This technique saves packaging material for rectangular profile shelves, but it does not provide a gain for cubic products and complicates manufacturing, which limits its distribution, especially in developing countries where Cost reduction is a key factor in promoting the expansion of the market for these products.

German publications DE 1964201 A1 and DE 102008019605 A1 illustrate the techniques of the prior art with regard to continuous kinematics packaging machines. These publications describe a device that can work in continuous kinematics, but with products routed on a single track. Therefore, the side folders responsible for folding the side flaps can act simultaneously on the two side flaps of a single product, since these side flaps are accessible, each on one side of the product and a side of the product track.

As explained above, the invention differs from the prior art because the machine works simultaneously on two product tracks, all the operations performed on the products are done simultaneously on the two parallel tracks and in addition, it works according to a kinematic keep on going. The combination of these two features is new and meets the criterion of inventive step, since it solves a technical problem that machines of the single track type can not solve and that machines working in discontinuous kinematics can not solve.

Presentation of the invention

The present invention proposes to overcome the disadvantages mentioned above by providing a method and a device for manufacturing food products, mainly broths in individual portions, especially in the form of cubes, at very high rates while preserving the Consistency and aesthetics of the product, guaranteeing the quality of their presentation with a layout of the machine's functionalities, means of folding the packaging and means of transport of the products allowing easy access, cleaning and maintenance .

This object is achieved by the method according to the invention as defined in the preamble and characterized in that the products are simultaneously brought in pairs on two conveying belts defining a double track consisting of two parallel tracks, in that the the products are conveyed in pairs on said conveyor respectively on said parallel tracks where they are positioned and synchronized continuously, in that they are simultaneously supported by a first single wheel for the two tracks, called the setting wheel, in continuous rotation, on which they are associated with a piece of packaging material, previously divided into two independent identical parts, these two parts being combined and arranged for subsequent packaging, respectively the one and the other product of said pair of products , in that the said products are then simultaneously transferred to a second single wheel for the two tracks, the so-called packaging wheel in continuous rotation, on which they are simultaneously packaged, each in one of said two identical parts obtained by dividing said piece of packaging material, each being individually associated with one of said products of said pair of products, in that these products are then resumed simultaneously by a third single wheel for the two tracks, called the tilting wheel, in continuous rotation, to be transferred, at the output of said tilting wheel to a sealing module, arranged to complete the operations folding the package and simultaneously seal the packaging of said two products before taking them to the output of the packaging machine.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method, for continuously positioning and synchronizing the products conveyed in pairs, on said conveyor, with a view to their being taken in charge by said setting wheel, a movable stop comprising a rotary vane shaft is used. continuous, carried by a cradle
oscillating, said vane shaft having pallets for pushing the products and characterized in that a space is created between the products arriving on the conveyor and the products leaving on the setting wheel by means of said oscillating cradle.

Advantageously, for each of the products of said pair of products, it is possible to form a tube with said part of the piece of packaging material, this tube being arranged to surround each product individually on the packaging wheel by means of fixed folding elements mounted on the machine and arranged on the path followed by the products during their movement and the flaps are folded side by means of beaters carried by the packaging wheel.

During the process, the two products are tipped simultaneously on the third single wheel, called the tilting wheel, by an angle equivalent to the angle of pivoting of the products corresponding to the rotation of said tilting wheel between the passage said products of the packaging wheel to the tilting wheel for transfer to the sealing module.

Preferably, the lateral flaps of each of the two parts of said piece of packaging material respectively surrounding said products, at the inlet of the sealing module, are simultaneously made by means of fixed lateral ramps.

This object is also achieved by the packaging machine according to the invention as defined in the preamble and characterized in that it comprises two conveyor belts defining a double track consisting of two parallel tracks and means for positioning and synchronizing the products. continuously, in pairs respectively on said two tracks, means for simultaneously transferring them on a first single wheel for the two tracks, said gripping wheel, in continuous rotation, means for associating them with a piece of packaging material, previously divided into two
independent identical parts, these two parts being combined and arranged to subsequently package respectively the product of said pair of products, a second single wheel for both tracks, said packaging wheel, in continuous rotation, bearing simultaneously one of said products of said pair of products and one of said two pieces of unitary packaging material associated with said pair of products, means for simultaneously recovering the packaged products by a third single wheel for the two tracks said rotational tilting wheel continuous, and means for transferring them at the output of said transfer wheel to a sealing module, means for completing the folding operations of the package and means for simultaneously sealing the package of said two products of a pair of products.

Said means for positioning and synchronizing the products continuously, in pairs on said parallel tracks of said conveyor and said means for transferring them simultaneously to said pick-up wheel preferably comprise a continuously movable stop composed of a pivoting cradle carrying a pallet shaft provided with at least two and preferably three pairs of equidistant bearing pallets, each two and preferably three pairs of pallets being assigned to a pair of products.

Said gripping wheel is advantageously equipped with a series of heads, each of which carries a double gripper, each of said grippers comprising a fixed central arm and two movable lateral arms, arranged on either side of the fixed central arm, in such a way that two identical spaces are formed between the fixed central arm and the two mobile side arms to receive each a product.

In a preferred manner, each double gripper further comprises a double paper gripper which is arranged to take in passing, respectively, said first portion and said second portion of said piece of packaging material. in the form of a previously cut sheet and which are adapted to both of the two products brought simultaneously.

According to an advantageous embodiment, said packaging wheel is equipped with a series of heads each of which carries a double gripper, each of said grippers comprising two gripping members which are arranged to take charge simultaneously of a first product and a second one respectively. product of a pair of products, each of said products being associated with one of said first and second parts previously separated from said piece of packaging material.

Preferably, each pinch member is associated with two moving beaters embedded on said packaging wheel and having the function of ensuring the folding of side flaps of said corresponding part of said piece of said packaging material on each of the products of the same pair of products during the routing of the products on said packaging wheel.

Advantageously, said tilting wheel comprises a series of heads each comprising a double movable gripper for simultaneously transferring two products of the same pair of products to the sealing module, each double gripper comprising a fixed central arm and two movable lateral arms and thus a support and control mechanism, arranged to tilt said products by an angle of equivalent value, but in a direction opposite to the pivot angle of said tilting wheel between the point of intersection with said packing wheel and the point of transfer of the products to the sealing module.

Said angle is at least approximately between 80 and 120 ° and preferably equal to 90 °.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the sealing module comprises a conveyor belt provided with stops and disposed above the line. products for driving the packaged products and side ramps on the sides of said conveyor belt to fold tip-shaped side flaps of each of the independent portions of said piece of packaging material

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 est une vue illustrant schématiquement dans son ensemble, le dispositif pour la mise en oeuvre des différentes étapes du procédé selon l'invention,
• les figures 2A, 2B et 2C représentent respectivement en perspective et en plan, dans une première position et dans une deuxième position, la butée rotative mobile assurant le passage des produits du convoyeur d'amenée sur la roue de prise,
• la figure 3 est une vue en perspective illustrant la roue de prise agencée pour réceptionner les produits après leur transfert du convoyeur d'amenée,
• les figures 3A, 3B et 3C représentent des vues, respectivement en perspective, et en élévation d'une pince double de la roue de prise dans des positions différentes, la pince de la roue de prise étant fermée et ouverte,
• les figures 3D et 3E représentent des vues frontales en élévation d'une pince de la roue de prise dans des positions différentes, la pince de la roue de prise étant fermée et ouverte,
• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective de la roue d'emballage qui se situe, au niveau du processus de conditionnement après la roue de prise de la figure 3,
• les figures 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D et 4E représentent des vues, respectivement en perspective et en élévation d'une pince double de la roue d'emballage dans des positions différentes, la pince étant ouverte et fermée, le rabatteur étant en position d'attente, en position intermédiaire et en position engagée
• les figures 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D et 5E illustrent les différentes étapes de l'emballage des produits,
• la figure 6 est une vue en perspective de la roue de pivotement destinée à amener les produits emballés vers un module de scellage,
• les figures 6A, 6B et 6C représentent des vues, respectivement en perspective et en élévation d'une pince double de la roue de pivotement dans des positions différentes, la pince de la roue de pivotement étant fermée et ouverte,
• les figures 6D et 6E représentent des vues frontales en élévation d'une pince de la roue de pivotement dans des positions différentes, avec le produit transporté non pivoté et pivoté, et
• la figure 7 est une vue schématique qui illustre l'étape finale du scellage de l'emballage, après les dernière phases de pliage.

The present invention and its advantages will be better understood on reading the detailed description of preferred implementations of the device of the invention, with reference to the appended drawings, given by way of non-limiting indication, in which:

• the figure 1 is a view schematically illustrating as a whole, the device for implementing the various steps of the method according to the invention,
• the Figures 2A , 2B and 2C respectively show in perspective and in plan, in a first position and in a second position, the movable rotary stop ensuring the passage of the products of the supply conveyor on the setting wheel,
• the figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating the setting wheel arranged to receive the products after their transfer from the supply conveyor,
• the Figures 3A , 3B and 3C represent views, respectively in perspective, and in elevation of a double gripper of the gripper wheel in different positions, the gripper of the gripper wheel being closed and open,
• the 3D and 3E figures represent front elevational views of a gripper of the gripper wheel in different positions, the gripper of the gripper wheel being closed and open,
• the figure 4 is a perspective view of the packaging wheel which is located at the level of the conditioning process after the setting wheel of the figure 3 ,
• the FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E represent views, respectively in perspective and in elevation, of a double gripper of the packaging wheel in different positions, the gripper being open and closed, the reel being in the standby position, in the intermediate position and in the engaged position
• the FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E illustrate the different stages of product packaging,
• the figure 6 is a perspective view of the pivoting wheel for bringing the packaged products to a sealing module,
• the Figures 6A, 6B and 6C represent views, respectively in perspective and in elevation, of a double gripper of the pivoting wheel in different positions, the gripper of the pivoting wheel being closed and open,
• the Figures 6D and 6E represent front elevational views of a gripper of the slewing wheel in different positions, with the product transported unrotated and rotated, and
• the figure 7 is a schematic view that illustrates the final step of sealing the package, after the last folding phases.

Best way (s) to achieve the invention

With reference to the figures, the method of the invention, implemented by the packaging machine 10 according to the invention, as schematically illustrated as a whole by the figure 1 , comprises a first step in which the products A to be packaged, in particular portions of bouillons manufactured by a press (not shown) and presented in the form of cubes, are conveyed in pairs, by means of a conveying device , especially a supply conveyor designated by the reference 11, for example in the form of an endless belt, at the entrance of a product take-up wheel, called picking wheel 12. It will be noted that during the first step, namely during the routing of the products A on the supply conveyor 11, between the manufacturing press and the setting wheel 12, the latter are respectively juxtaposed on each of the two tracks on which the A1 products respectively flow. from one of the two tracks and A2 products from the other track. The products A1 and the products A2 form pairs which are conveyed together to the input of the pickup wheel 12 and recovered by the latter during a second step of the method. It will be noted that the products A1 and A2 circulate continuously and that the pick wheel is unique for the two tracks and rotates continuously.

It will also be noted that during this second step, namely the passage on the setting wheel 12, a gap is formed between the successive pairs of products A, immediately during the passage on the setting wheel, to respect said continuous kinematics which represents a specificity of the machine described. This difference could be obtained in a known manner, thanks to a speed differential between the linear speed of the supply conveyor 11 and the peripheral speed of the setting wheel 12, to separate the product pairs, by means of a set of motorized ribbons and equipped with vacuum chambers. However, such a known solution would generate significant accelerations that could affect the stability of the product routing, which, given their cubic shape, do not lend themselves to such accelerations at the passage of transitions between two sets of conveyor belts. This is why the gap between product pairs A is created by means of a movable stop 13 (illustrated by the Figures 2A , 2B and 2C ) which makes it possible to synchronize the arrival of the products carried by the supply conveyor 11 and to synchronize their departure on the setting wheel 12. This preferred solution ensures very precisely the synchronization of the position of the products conveyed by the conveyor feed 11, thanks to the movable stop which is a rotary stop comprising pallets. This conditioning is at the basis of the implementation of said continuous kinematics which is essential on the one hand because of the fragility of the products, a stop against a fixed abutment necessarily generating friction and therefore could cause a crumbling resulting in fouling of the supply conveyor 11, and secondly because of the time saving obtained, knowing that the stops that characterize a discontinuous mode generate losses considerable cumulative time.

In a third step, a packaging material supply device 15, brings two pre-cut but not spaced half-pieces 15a and 15b of said packaging material 15, in the form of a composite material and / or wrapping paper, towards the periphery of the gripping wheel 12, more precisely on the trajectory of the products A1 and A2, intersecting with their trajectories to end up on the track of one of the pairs of products A. This operation allows the parts of the packaging material 15a and 15b partially fold around the product A and be rotated with it on the setting wheel 12.

The following operation is carried out in a fourth step, the products A1 and A2, respectively associated with the pieces of packaging material 15a and 15b being transferred to another wheel called packing wheel 16. The setting wheel 12 tangentially receives the pairs of products A1 and A2 and rotates clockwise, while the packaging wheel 16 rotates in the opposite direction, namely the counterclockwise direction. During the rotation of the packaging wheel 16, the pieces of packaging material 15a and 15b respectively associated with the products A1 and A2 of each pair of products, run with the head respectively associated with the corresponding products and are subject to operations folding by an onboard mobile front reel for closing the side flaps by fixed propellers. At the end of this fourth step, the products are almost packed without the side edges being fully folded and without these being sealed.

The fifth step is to take the packaged products of the packaging wheel 16 and transfer them to a tilting wheel 17 which rotates in the opposite direction to the packaging wheel 16, ie in the clockwise direction of a shows. The function of the tilting wheel 17 is to counteract the pivoting of the products, this pivoting being due to the rotation of this wheel about its axis, in order to maintain them in a suitable position to allow the folding of the packaging to be completed. view of the final seal.

These operations are carried out during the next step, namely the sixth step of passing the packaged products of the tilting wheel 17 to a sealing module 18 while finishing the product packaging by folding the last shutters in passing.

All of these operations are made possible by the machine according to the invention, the various components of which are illustrated and described below.

The machine 10 is equipped with a device for feeding and synchronizing the products A, located between the outlet of the press (not shown) and their conveyance by a conveyor 11 towards the setting wheel 12. The delivery device and synchronization 20 is mounted on a fixed frame 21 disposed above a conveyor belt forming the conveyor (11) which transports the products in pairs A1, A2 from a molding-compression unit, these products being juxtaposed according to two parallel columns 22, 23 on said belt conveyor (not shown).

At the free end of the fixed frame 21 is mounted a cradle 24 pivoting about a pivot axis 25 on which is fixed a vane shaft 27, rotating about an axis of rotation 26, provided with at least two and preferably three pairs of equidistant pallets 28a, 28b, 28c. The three pairs of equidistant pallets 28a, 28b, 28c constitute rotary bearing abutments, two by two parallel and intended to respectively serve as movable stops to the pairs of products A conveyed by the supply conveyor 11 and to accompany them in pairs sure the pickup wheel 12 while the tilting cradle 24 pivots on its pivot axis 25 to accelerate the product A when it has been supported by one of the rotating paddles 28a, 28b or 28c and to create a space between the first product A arriving on a track of the supply conveyor 11 and the next product A of the same track of the supply conveyor 11. Each of the pallets 28a, 28b or 28c is put in place successively before the arrival of a produced in such a way that the product column is never stopped. This device makes it possible to simultaneously process two products A, in this case A1 and A2 constituting a pair of products respectively conveyed on the two parallel tracks of the supply conveyor 11.

The Figure 2B represents a phase of taking care of the first products A1 and A2 by two corresponding pallets 28a, 28b or 28c, the tilting cradle 24 being in an initial position or starting position, in which it is located when one of the pallets 28a, 28b or 28c supports a product A to accompany it to the pickup wheel 12.

The Figure 2C represents an accompanying phase of the first products A1 and A2 by the two corresponding pallets 28a, 28b or 28c, the tilting cradle 24 being in a final position or arrival position in which it is located when one of the pallets 28a, 28b or 28c finishes accompanying a product A to place it on the pickup wheel 12 which supports it for further operations.

Note the position of a gripper finger 29 integral with the gripping wheel 12, still remaining in a radial position and which tilts relatively to the tilting cradle 24 during this operation of passing products A of the conveyor 11 on the wheel of taken 12.

The figure 3 is a perspective view of the pickup wheel 12 showing a partial view of an eight-head embodiment 30 each carrying a clamp double 31. The figure 3A is a perspective view of one of the insulated heads with respect to the pickup wheel 12.

The Figures 3B and 3C represent, in elevation, the head of the figure 3A in two different positions. The 3D and 3E figures represent, viewed from the side, the head of the figure 3A in two different positions.

The double gripper 31 comprises a fixed central arm 31a and two lateral arms 31b and 31c which are movable relative to the central arm 31a. The two elements of the double gripper 31 are open and can each receive a product A when the lateral arms 31b and 31c are spaced from the central arm 31a. As the side arms move closer they close the elements of the double gripper on the corresponding products A and hold them in position.

The Figures 3A , B and 3C show the heads 30 as a whole with the mechanical control parts and the supports 32. Products A are shown, arranged inside the two elements of the double gripper 31, that is to say taken between the fixed central arm 31a and the two movable lateral arms 31b and 31c. The view of the figure 3B shows the closed double gripper and the view of the figure 3C shows the open double clamp.

The two front views 3D and 3E essentially illustrate a clamp 33 called paper clip which is intended to take in passing a piece of packaging material 15 in the form of a single sheet partially cut adapted to the set of two products brought in pairs. The view of the 3D figure shows the open paper clip 33 ready to embark the piece of packaging material 15 for a pair of products A and the view of the figure 3E shows the paper clip 33 closed, after grasping the piece of packaging material.

The figure 4 is a perspective view of the packaging wheel 16 which receives the pairs of products A each associated with an individual piece of packaging material.

The first function of the packaging wheel 16 is to take the products to flight by means of clamps 41 each mounted on a head 40 which oscillates to allow the reduction and adaptation of the speed of movement during the closure of the clamp 41, at the moment of the transfer of the products A. The further processing which consists of packing the product completely until the final flap of side flaps and the sealing of the packaging material is carried out on the packing wheel 16 with its components illustrated by the Figure 4A representing the head 40 perspective view and the FIGS. 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E showing the head 40, seen in elevation, in its different positions corresponding to the different operating phases.

The double gripper 41 is, like the gripper 31 of the gripping wheel 12, a double gripper and comprises in fact two gripping members 41a and 41b which are intended respectively to handle the products A1 and A2 of the pair simultaneously. A. Each pinch member is associated with two beaters 42 having the function of ensuring the folding of the side flaps during the routing of the products on said packaging wheel 16.

The Figure 4A illustrates the head 40 with its support and its control means 43. It also shows the two gripping members 41a and 41b each having two arms, respectively 410a, 411a, and 410b, 411b, which can be opened, in each case. absence of product A and closed to maintain products A during their transport. Note also the presence of a support base 44 on which rests the underside of the product A, so that each product A is held by three bearing surfaces, its positioning being performed extremely accurately. To each of the arms 410a and 410b of said nip members 41a, and 41b corresponds to a pair of side tilts 42.

The Figure 4B shows a head 40 with a pinch member, for example 41 open and with the beaters 42 in the waiting position. The figure 4C shows a head 40 with a pinch member, for example 41 has closed and with the beaters 42 in the waiting position. The figure 4D shows a head 40 with a pinch member, for example 41 has closed and with the beaters 42 in the intermediate position between a standby position and a folded position. The figure 4E shows a head 40 with a pinch member, for example 41 has closed and with the beaters 42 in the folded position.

The packing operation of product A comprises a number of phases which are illustrated by the FIGS. 5A to 5E . As shown in figure 1 at the moment of the products of the setting wheel 12 passing on the packing wheel 16, two pieces of packing material 15a and 15b intervene in the path of a pair of products which take it with it. In a first phase, the two parts of a piece of packaging material 15a and 15b are adjacent and correspond to the two products A1, and A2 of the same pair of products A. The piece of packaging material 15 has been previously divided into two parts 15a and 15b by a longitudinal divider, preferably constituted by a rotating knife disposed before the exit of the paper table (not shown), so that the following operations are done individually for each of the two products A1 and A2 of the same pair of products A. The machine 10 is equipped with a fixed ramp disposed on the trajectory of the elements 15a and 15b divided, coming from the piece of packaging material 15, whose function is to fold the "L" packaging material, during a second phase, bearing against its bottom B1 and its dorsal surface B2, as shown in FIG. Figure 5A . At the moment of the transfer of the products A from the setting wheel 12 to the packing wheel 16, a frontal extension of the elements 15a and 15b of packaging material is raised upwards and pressed against the front face B3 of the product A, during a third folding phase. A gut is thus produced as shown in Figure 5B . The Figure 5C shows the closure of the package by the upper flap on the top of the product A, namely on the top B4 of the extension of the rear part of the elements 15a and 15b of packaging material 15 pressed against the dorsal surface B2. This results in the formation of a tubular packaging called packaging tube. The fourth phase consists in folding the packaging tube frontally against the inside by an onboard moving central reel, as shown in FIG. figure 5E . Then, the packing material fins are folded by two fixed folding propellers, the outer fin being folded last. This operational phase is illustrated by the figure 5F .

At the end of the packaging on the packaging wheel 16, the products are taken up by a tilting wheel 17, illustrated by the figure 6 and the details views of Figures 6A, 6B , 6C , 6D and 6E , and which is disposed adjacent to the packaging wheel to take products A1 and A2 and bring them to the sealing module 18 which will be described later. The tilting wheel 17 comprises heads 50 equipped with double movable clamps 51 with a fixed median edge and a buffer in order to simultaneously transfer the two products A1 and A2 forming said pair of products A. As for the other wheels of the machine 10, a preferred embodiment comprises eight heads 50 each provided with a pair of clamps 51 simultaneously processing two products A1 and A2 of the same pair of products A.

The Figure 6A shows one of the heads 50, perspective view, of the tilting wheel 17 with its double gripper 51 having a fixed central arm 52a and two movable side arms 52b and 52c and its support and control mechanism 53. The two products A1 and A2 of the same pair of products A are arranged inside the double gripper 51.

The Figures 6B and 6C represent the same head, seen in elevation, with the clamps 51 respectively in the open position and in the closed position. The Figures 6D and 6E show the head 50, front view and its control mechanism 53 essentially comprising a lever arm 53a and a pull tab 53b, these mechanical parts for the purpose of rocking the product A at a 90 ° angle to compensate for its natural rotation on the tilting wheel 17 between its entry on the wheel and the moment when it is transferred to the sealing module, this natural rotation being related to the rotational movement of about 90 ° of the tilting wheel 17. Indeed, it is essential that the product A keeps its position and that it is not rotated by 90 ° with the tilting wheel 17, which would prevent the final flap of the flaps and the sealing of the package.

The sealing module receives the packaged products A on a longitudinal guide and they are driven by a conveyor belt provided with cleats and arranged above the line of products to ensure their tracking. Side ramps are provided on the sides to fold the side flaps in the shape of a point. This operation is illustrated by the figure 7 which shows pairs of products A1 and A2 packaged, but having at their lower part a frontal extension 60 which is intended to be folded towards the inside of the product by a fixed folding edge 61, shown schematically, disposed frontally on the trajectory of the displacement of the product. When this flap is performed, the product is presented with two lateral tips 62 which must be folded towards each other, which is done by means of fixed side ramps 63, shown schematically.

The elements that make up the packaging machine perform successive phases of the same operation of packaging products with specific characteristics: these products are cheap so that they must be manufactured in large quantities to meet the need of the customer. market, so they must be produced at a very high rate to meet the market price. These products are also fragile and must be treated with care to keep their shape and remain presentable to be sold. These two conditions define the optimal packaging process mode which is the combination of continuous kinematic operation with integral processing on two contiguous tracks. This original process, new in relation to the prior art, is possible thanks to an original mechanical design, which does not exist at present, which consists of a set of elements that cooperate and complement one another to arrive at the original process thus solving the problem. technical posed.

Claims (14)

1. Method for packaging food products into individual portions, and in particular stock blocks of cubic shape pressed and produced by means of components agglomerated by a press, in which method the said stock blocks are packaged by means of a packaging machine, characterized in that the products are simultaneously fed in pairs to two conveyor belts defining a double track constituted by two parallel tracks, in that the products are conveyed in pairs on the said conveyor respectively on the said parallel tracks where they are positioned and synchronized continuously, in that they are taken in charge simultaneously by a first continuously rotating single wheel for the two tracks, termed take-up wheel, on which they are associated with a piece of packaging material previously divided into two independent identical parts, these two parts being combined and arranged to subsequently package respectively the one and other product of the said pair of products, in that the said products are then simultaneously transferred to a second continuously rotating single wheel for the two tracks, termed packaging wheel, on which they are packaged simultaneously, each in one of the said two identical parts obtained by division of the said piece of packaging material, each part being individually associated with one of the said products of the said pair of products, in that the said products are then taken simultaneously by a third continuously rotating single wheel for the two tracks, termed tilting wheel, so as to be transferred, on leaving the said tilting wheel, to a sealing module arranged to complete the operations of folding the packaging and simultaneously seal the packaging of the said two products before they are taken in charge on leaving the said packaging machine.
2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that, in order to position and synchronize continuously the products conveyed in pairs on the said conveyor, with the aim of them being taken in charge by the said take-up wheel, use is made of a movable stop comprising a continuously rotating bladed shaft borne by an oscillating cradle, the said bladed shaft comprising blades for pushing the products, and in that a space is created between the products arriving on the conveyor and the products leaving on the take-up wheel by means of the said oscillating cradle.
3. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that, for each of the said products of the said pair of products, a tube is formed with the said part of the piece of packaging material, this tube being arranged to surround each product individually on the packaging wheel by means of fixed folding elements mounted on the machine and arranged on the trajectory followed by the products during their movement and the lateral flaps are folded by means of movable folders borne by the packaging wheel.
4. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the two products are simultaneously tilted on the said third single wheel, termed tilting wheel, by an angle equivalent to the angle of the pivoting of the products corresponding to the rotation of the said tilting wheel between the passage of the said products from the packaging wheel to the tilting wheel with the aim of transferring them to the sealing module.
5. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the final folding of the lateral flaps of each of the two parts of the said piece of packaging material respectively surrounding the said products of the said pair of products is simultaneously carried out at the inlet of the sealing module by means of fixed lateral ramps.
6. Machine (10) for packaging food products into individual portions, and in particular stock blocks of cubic shape pressed and produced by means of components agglomerated by a press, characterized in that it comprises two conveyor belts (11) defining a double track constituted by two parallel tracks and means for positioning and synchronizing the products continuously in pairs respectively on the said two tracks, means for simultaneously transferring them to a first continuously rotating single wheel for the two tracks, termed take-up wheel (12), means for associating them with a piece of packaging material previously divided into two independent identical parts, these two parts being combined and arranged to subsequently package respectively the one and other product of the said pair of products, a second continuously rotating single wheel for the two tracks, termed packaging wheel (16), simultaneously bearing one of the products of the said pair of products and one of the said two pieces of unitary packaging material associated with the said pair of products, means for simultaneously taking the packaged products by a third continuously rotating single wheel for the two tracks, termed tilting wheel (17), and means for transferring them, on leaving the said transfer wheel, to a sealing module (18), means for finishing the operations of folding the packaging and means for simultaneously sealing the packaging of the said two products of a pair of products.
7. Packaging machine according to Claim 6, characterized in that the said means for positioning and synchronizing the products (A) continuously in pairs (A1, A2) on the said parallel tracks of the said conveyor and the said means for simultaneously transferring them to the said take-up wheel (12) form a movable rotary stop comprising a cradle (24) pivoting about an axle (25), the said cradle bearing a bladed shaft (27) rotating about its axis of rotation (26), the said shaft provided with at least two, and preferably three, pairs of equidistant bearing blades (28a, 28b, 28c), each pair of blades being assigned to a pair of products (A1, A2).
8. Packaging machine according to Claim 6, characterized in that the said take-up wheel (12) is equipped with a series of heads (30) of which each bears a double clamp (31), each of the said clamps (31) comprising a fixed central arm (31a) and two movable lateral arms (31b and 31c) arranged on either side of the fixed central arm (31a) in such a way that two identical spaces are formed between the fixed central arm (31a) and the two movable lateral arms (31b and 31c) in order to each receive a product (A1 and A2, respectively).
9. Packaging machine according to Claim 8, characterized in that each double clamp (31) additionally comprises a double paper clamp (33) which is arranged to take in passing respectively the said first part (15a) and the said second part (15b) of the said piece of packaging material which take the form of sheets previously cut into the said piece of packaging material and which are each adapted to one of the two simultaneously fed products (A1, A2).
10. Packaging machine according to Claim 6, characterized in that the said packaging wheel (16) is equipped with a series of heads (40) of which each bears a double clamp (41), each of the said clamps (41) comprising two clamping members (41a and 41b) which are arranged to simultaneously respectively take in charge a product (A1) and a product (A2) of a pair of products (A), each of the said products (A1 and A2) being associated with one of the said previously separated first and second parts of the said piece of packaging material.
11. Packaging machine according to Claim 10, characterized in that each clamping member (41b) is associated with two movable folders (42) installed on the said packaging wheel (16) and having the function of folding over lateral flaps of the said corresponding part of the said piece of the said packaging material on each of the products (A1 and A2, respectively) of one and the same pair of products (A) during the travel of the products on the said packaging wheel (16).
12. Packaging machine according to Claim 6, characterized in that the said tilting wheel (17) comprises a series of heads (50) each comprising a double movable clamp (51) for simultaneously transferring two products (A1 and A2) of one and the same pair of products (A) previously packaged respectively in one of the corresponding parts of the said piece of the said packaging material to the sealing module, each double clamp (51) comprising a fixed central arm (52a) and two movable lateral arms (52b and 52c) and also a support and control mechanism (53) arranged to tilt the said products by an angle of equivalent value but in an opposite direction to the angle of pivoting of the said tilting wheel (17) between the point of intersection with the said packaging wheel (16) and the point of transfer of the products (A1 and A2) to the sealing module.
13. Packaging machine according to Claim 12, characterized in that the said angle is at least approximately between 80 and 120° and preferably equal to 90°.
14. Packaging machine according to Claim 6, characterized in that the sealing module comprises a conveyor belt provided with cleats and arranged above the line of the products in order to drive the packaged products (A1 and A2) and lateral ramps formed on the sides of the said conveyor belt in order to fold down into pointed form lateral flaps of each of the independent parts of the said piece of packaging material.

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