CUTTING MODULE FOR PACKAGING MACHINE FOR SACHET-TYPE PACKAGES MADE FROM FLEXIBLE FILM

Abstract

Cutting module for packaging machine for sachet-type packages made from flexible film, comprising a shaping module that cuts out the package leaving a free zone for subsequent filling and sealing of the sachet, comprising a laser cutting module for making the aforementioned cut, said laser cutting module comprising a laser generator and an optical module that comprises a submodule for modifying the focal length of the laser, comprising in turn a fixed lens and a movable lens and, in series with said submodule, a head for modifying the exit angle of the laser.

Claims

1. A cutting module for packaging machine for sachet-type packages made from flexible film, comprising a shaping module that cuts out the package leaving a free zone for subsequent filling and sealing of the sachet, wherein the shaping module comprises a laser cutting module for making the aforementioned cut, said laser cutting module comprising a laser generator and an optical module that comprises a submodule for modifying the focal length of the laser, comprising in turn a fixed lens and a movable lens and, in series with said submodule, a head for modifying the exit angle of the laser.

2. The cutting module according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned optical module is positioned perpendicular to the direction of movement of the packages within the machine.

3. The cutting module according to claim 1, wherein the laser generator is positioned parallel to the direction of movement of the packages within the machine.

4. The cutting module according to claim 2, wherein the laser generator is positioned over the packaging machine.

5. The cutting module according to claim 1, wherein an elbow is positioned between the exit from the laser generator and the entry to the optical module.

6. The cutting module according to claim 5, wherein the laser generator and the optical module are positioned perpendicular to each other.

7. The cutting module according to claim 1, wherein the shaping module has a gas flow generator for generating a flow adjacent to the surface of the package.

8. The cutting module according to claim 7, wherein the gas flow generator comprises at least one blower.

9. The cutting module according to claim 7, wherein the gas flow generator comprises two blowers.

10. The cutting module according to claim 7, wherein the flow is an air flow, or an inert gas flow.

11. The cutting module according to claim 7, wherein the flow generator has movement capability.

12. The cutting module according to claim 11, wherein the flow generator has means for varying the orientation of the flow generated.

13. The cutting module according to claim 1, wherein the shaping module comprises a mechanism for opening the package by a cutting line generated by the laser cutting module.

14. The cutting module according to claim 1, wherein the opening mechanism comprises an arm positioned so as to pass from an inner zone of the package to an outer zone through the cut zone.

15. The cutting module according to claim 13, wherein said opening mechanism and said flow generator act in a coordinated manner.

16. The cutting module according to claim 14, wherein said opening mechanism and said flow generator act in a coordinated manner.

17. The cutting module according to claim 1, wherein said shaping module comprises an extractor for the fumes produced by the laser cutting.

18. The cutting module according to claim 1, wherein said fume extractor is positioned above the station where the laser cutting takes place.

19. A packaging machine for sachet-type packages made from flexible film, comprising the cutting module according to claim 1.

20. A method for producing a sachet-type package made from flexible film comprising: providing the packaging machine according to claim 19, and making a cut that defines a profile of the sachet-type package leaving the sufficient free zone for subsequent filling of the package

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] For a better understanding, some drawings of an embodiment of a packaging machine that is the subject matter of the present invention are attached by way of explanatory but not restrictive example.

[0024] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a packaging machine according to the present invention, more specifically of its cutting-shaping module.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the laser cutting module of the example in FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view, from another point of view, of the cutting module.

[0027] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the module shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0028] FIG. 5 shows diagrammatically the optical module and its function.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the processes for generating an air flow, extracting fumes and opening the cut generated.

[0030] FIG. 7 shows the final result after filling and sealing the sachet.

[0031] FIG. 8 shows another sachet, with a different shape, after the cut is made and before filling and sealing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] FIG. 1 shows a cutting module of a packaging machine for sachet-type packages, formed from a film of flexible material. Specifically, it shows the shaping module, in which at least part of the outer profile of the sachet to be filled and sealed is cut out. The previous modules, such as the reel or reels of film -99-, the side- and lower-wall welding module using heat welding, as well as the subsequent modulesfilling and sealingnot been shown, since they can be of a known type.

[0033] FIG. 1 shows the laser cutting module, which comprises a laser generator -4- located above the machine and parallel to the direction of movement of the sachets -100-. Thus, the generator does not interfere with access to the numerous mechanical parts of the machine (hooks, clamps, conveyors, blowers -200-, -200-, extractor -300-, etc.

[0034] The laser cutting module in the example makes the cuts -101- and -102-. In the example shown, the cut -102- is made on a previously welded zone, but the cut -101- is made on an unwelded zone, which remains open for subsequent filling of the sachet -100-.

[0035] In the embodiment shown, after cutting, the sachet -100- is conveyed to a zone in which, simultaneously, fumes are absorbed, air is blown and the sachet -100- is opened. Naturally, it is entirely possible that these phases take place in the same physical location in which laser cutting is performed.

[0036] In the embodiment shown, the means for generating a flow parallel and adjacent to the cuts comprise two blowers -200-, -200-. Furthermore, a fume extractor -300- is located above, the function of which is to extract products generated during cutting, preventing them from entering the sachet before its final sealing in the packaging machine.

[0037] FIG. 2 to 5 show an exemplary embodiment of the laser cutting module, composed of a laser generator -4-, which can be standard, containing within it the elements -41- required for generating the laser, which is then diverted and processed in the optical module.

[0038] The optical module is located at the exit from the laser generator -4- and, in the example shown, starts with an optical elbow -3- that diverts the laser beam and takes it to a submodule -2- for modifying the focal length. Said modifying submodule -2- comprises a movable lens -21- and a fixed lens -22-. The movable lens -21- can move in the direction of the beam. For better control, the controller breaks down the movement of the movable lens into two: a first movement corresponding to setting the required focal length relative to a reference point of the cutting area (for example, the central point of the area, or the point corresponding to a zero angle of deviation in the output of the laser at the end of the optical module), and a further displacement corresponding to setting the variation of focal length relative to that of the reference point of each point on the cutting area.

[0039] After the modifying submodule -2-, a laser head -1- is located in series, which can be of a known type and which allows the output laser beam to be at the angle required to reach the desired cutting point at any time. This can be done by means of two galvanometers -11-, -12-, each of which provides a rotation about two different axes.

[0040] An electronic or computerised controller can produce the transformation of the cartesian coordinates (x, y, z) of the desired cutting point to the necessary values of focal length and galvanometer angles. This ensures that the power and/or the surface power density at each cutting point are optimal for making the cut while minimising unwanted effects.

[0041] FIG. 6 shows diagrammatically the production of a gas blanket for cooling/cleaning the cuts made, a first opening of the sachet -100- to prevent spontaneous welding of material, and fume extraction.

[0042] In the sachet -100- shown in FIG. 6, two cuts made by laser have been illustrated. A first cut -102- is located in a zone -102- that had been welded or stuck earlier, and therefore there is no danger of sub-products from cutting (particles, gases) entering the sachet -100- through the cut. Even so, a blower -200- has been positioned for generating a cooling air curtain. The blower -200- in the example has a translation and rotation capability with the aim of aligning the air flow as far as possible with the cutting path -102-.

[0043] The second cut -101- represents an entry point into the sachet -100-. Similarity, there is a blower -200- with a translation and rotation capability with the aim, as far as possible, of generating a gas current following the cutting direction at each point.

[0044] The blowers of the invention could be non-translatable and/or non-orientable. The gas blown can be air, nitrogen or another inert gas, such as a noble gas.

[0045] The energy intensity or power intensity for producing the cut depends on the individual type of material to be cut.

[0046] In addition, a mechanism -500- for opening the sachet can be seen, consisting of an arm which passes through the cut -101- outwards from inside the sachet -100-, in this case following a direction -50- perpendicular to the cut. The opening mechanism -500- and the functioning of the blower -200- must be coordinated by a controller to prevent, for example, the sachet from opening before the blower is actuated in such a way that the blower propels particles and/or gases into the sachet.

[0047] Above this a fume extractor -300- has been positioned with the aim of removing any gases and particles that are generated. The extractor could also be located in a different position.

[0048] Next, and referring to FIG. 7, the packaging machine performs the filling, as appropriate placing a plug -110- and creating a weld bead -101- for the final sealing of the sachet -100-.

[0049] The present invention is not restricted to straight cuts, and other types of cuts can be made, such as the cut -111- on the sachet -150- shown in FIG. 8.

[0050] The example shown corresponds to a horizontal packaging machine, but the invention is not restricted to this arrangement, and is also applicable to other arrangements, such as a vertical arrangement.

[0051] Although the invention has been presented and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it should be understood that these are not restrictive of the invention, and therefore multiple structural or other details may vary, as may be obvious to experts in the sector after interpreting the subject matter disclosed in the present description, claims and drawings. Therefore, all variants and equivalents will be included within the scope of the present invention if they can be considered to fall within the broadest scope of the following claims.