Automatic machine for forming filter bags containing infusion products

Abstract

An automatic machine includes a load-bearing frame having a base, a vertical side wall, a horizontal wall facing the base, a vertical front wall, defining a machine front with a protruding motor-driven shaft supporting a respective reel of wound material. A plurality of operating stations positioned on the front wall through which a processing path extends along which said material proceeds whilst it is unwound from the reel. A storage unit houses replacement reels is positioned directly associated with the frame close to the shaft. A device picks up reels and positions them on the shaft. The device is positioned directly associated with the frame close to the storage unit. A control unit activates the device in response to a run out signal of the reel present on the shaft.

1 . An automatic machine comprising:
 a load-bearing frame comprising a base, at least one vertical side wall, a horizontal wall facing the base, a vertical front wall, defining a machine front, from which protrudes at least one motor-driven supporting shaft which supports a respective reel of wound material;   a plurality of operating stations positioned on the front wall through which a processing path extends along which said material proceeds while it is unwound from the reel;   a first storage unit configured to house replacement reels and positioned directly associated with the load-bearing frame of the machine and located close to the shaft supporting the reel;   a device for picking up and releasing replacement reels configured for picking up one of the replacement reels from the first storage unit and positioning it on the supporting shaft, said pick-up and release device being positioned directly associated with the load-bearing frame and located close to the first storage unit; and   a control unit configured for activating the device for picking up and releasing reels in response to a run out signal of the reel present on the supporting shaft.   
     
     
         2 . The machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the first storage unit is associated with at least one vertical side wall of the machine positioned close to the shaft for supporting the reel; the first storage unit protruding towards the outside of the frame of the machine. 
     
     
         3 . The machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the device for picking up and releasing replacement reels is associated with the vertical front wall of the machine, and positioned close to the shaft supporting the reel and the first storage unit; the pick-up and release device protruding towards the outside of the frame of the machine. 
     
     
         4 . The machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the pick-up and release device comprises a robotic arm having, at a relative free end, a gripper for picking up and releasing the replacement reel configured to engage/disengage in/from a central hole or core of the replacement reel. 
     
     
         5 . The machine according to  claim 1 , comprising a reel pressing element configured to stabilise the replacement reel on the supporting shaft; the reel pressing element being carried by a supporting element associated outside the frame of the machine, close to the first storage unit and the pick-up and release device; the supporting element being equipped with means for quick coupling and detachment of the reel pressing element in such a way as to allow it to be picked up and repositioned by the pick-up and release device. 
     
     
         6 . The machine according to  claim 5 , wherein the supporting element is associated with the horizontal wall of the frame of the machine, in such a way as to position the reel pressing element close to and above the pick-up and release device. 
     
     
         7 . The machine according to  claim 5 , wherein the reel pressing element comprises a cylindrical body with a diameter greater than a diameter of the reel supporting shaft and configured, in use, for being coupled with the robotic arm. 
     
     
         8 . The machine according to  claim 5 , wherein the reel pressing element comprises a rigid ring having a diameter greater than the diameter of the reel supporting shaft and configured, in use, to be placed in contact with a flat surface of the replacement reel in such a way as to allow, under the action of the pick-up and release device, a stable positioning, by axial sliding, of the replacement reel on the supporting shaft. 
     
     
         9 . The machine according to  claim 1 , comprising a second storage unit for housing replacement reels associated with the at least one vertical side wall of the frame of the machine and positioned close to the first storage unit. 
     
     
         10 . The machine according to  claim 9 , wherein the device for picking up and releasing the replacement reel is associated with the frame of the machine at an intermediate position between the first storage unit and the second storage unit. 
     
     
         11 . The machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the first storage unit comprises a rigid structure having a cradle portion for supporting a plurality of replacement reels, a side portion fixed to the at least one vertical side wall of the frame of the machine and a rigid disc-shaped base, supported by the cradle portion, for supporting the replacement reels.