Method and plant for packaging of flexible bags

Abstract

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

1 . Method for packaging flexible bags filled with a liquid or non-liquid, foodstuff or non-foodstuff, sterile or non-sterile product, said method comprising the steps of:
 inserting a package cardboard box onto an insertion tube extending substantially over a full height into said package cardboard box;   dropping a flexible bag, from a flexible-bag supply station, into said package cardboard box through a funnel and said insertion tube being an extension of said funnel;   removing the package cardboard box containing the flexible bag from said insertion tube.   
   
   
       2 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein the step of inserting the box comprises:
 starting from a cardboard cut-out; and   pre-shaping said package cardboard box around said insertion tube, forming a shaping core.   
   
   
       3 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein the step of dropping a flexible bag is performed in an inclined position. 
   
   
       4 . Method according to  claim 3 , wherein the step of dropping a flexible bag comprises:
 subjecting the flexible bag to a substantially parabolic path; and   presenting the funnel by inclining the package cardboard box in an inclined direction close to a tangent line to the path of the flexible bag.   
   
   
       5 . Method according to  claim 3 , wherein the step of dropping a flexible bag comprises:
 using a control means for axial displacement of the funnel and insertion tube according to a vertical movement for bringing the package cardboard box on a path of the flexible bag.   
   
   
       6 . Method according to  claim 5 , wherein said control means insert or remove the package cardboard box with respect to the insertion tube. 
   
   
       7 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein the step of dropping of the filled flexible bags into the package cardboard box ( 7 ) occurs at random. 
   
   
       8 . Method according to according to  claim 1 , wherein package cardboard boxes are subjected to a continuous rotary motion. 
   
   
       9 . Plant for packaging flexible bags filled with a liquid or non-liquid, foodstuff or non-foodstuff, sterile or non-sterile product, for implementation of the method according to  claim 1 , said plant comprising:
 a packaging unit;   a flexible-bag supply station;   a station, supplying preformed package cardboard boxes or cardboard cut-outs;   a loading station; and   a finishing and/or evacuation station, said loading station being comprised of, at least at a level of said loading station, an insertion tube, said insertion tube being inserted substantially over full height into a package cardboard box and forming an extension of a funnel through which a flexible bag drops into the package cardboard box.   
   
   
       10 . Plant according to  claim 9 , further comprising:
 means for receiving a cardboard box with a view to inserting the box onto the insertion tube and subsequently removing the box from the insertion tube.   
   
   
       11 . Plant according to  claim 10 , wherein the means for receiving ensure reception of a cardboard cut-out at a level of a supply station, permitting folding of the box on the insertion tube forming a shaping core. 
   
   
       12 . Plant according to  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a support being movable at least in inclination, thanks to tilting means and having said funnel extended by an insertion tube mounted on said tilting means, the package cardboard box being presented in an inclined position.   
   
   
       13 . Plant according to  claim 11 , further comprising:
 means for controlling axial displacement of the funnel and the insertion tube.   
   
   
       14 . Plant according to  claim 9 , wherein a rotary station provided with several identical stations distributed around one rotary station with a same axis of rotation, the stations defining, successively, the supply station, the loading station and the finishing and/or evacuation station, each station being comprised of a support provided with a tilting means, a funnel extended by an insertion tube and mounted on said tilting means, and means for receiving a pre-shaped cardboard box or a cardboard box cut-out. 
   
   
       15 . Plant according to  claim 14 , wherein each station is further comprised of a means for controlling axial displacement of said funnel and the insertion tube, according to a vertical displacement or a displacement with a vertical component. 
   
   
       16 . Plant according to  claim 14 , wherein each station comprises an additional means for closing the cardboard box after filling and/or means for providing said cardboard box with a seizing handle at the time of the closing. 
   
   
       17 . Plant according to  claim 9 , being a linear type. 
   
   
       18 . Plant according to  claim 9 , wherein the station for supplying flexible bags is comprised of a conveyor belt ensuring conveying and evacuation of a flexible bag by imparting a path to said flexible bag, the funnel being substantially tangent, the package cardboard box being inserted on the insertion tube and presented in an inclined position. 
   
   
       19 . Plant according to  claim 14 , wherein the tilting means and the receiving means and the finishing means, are controlled by cams, such as fixed and/or movable cams, distributed concentrically around an axis of the rotary station. 
   
   
       20 . Plant according to  claim 14 , wherein rotation of said rotary station is continuous. 
   
   
       21 . Plant according to  claim 14 , wherein the funnel or the insertion tube or both have an inner surface treated for enhanced sliding of the flexible bag during falling.