DK141359B - Method of packaging groups of articles and machine for carrying out the method. - Google Patents

Description

U1359

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to a method of packaging groups of articles in which the groups are advanced along a spaced-apart transport path and a web of a flexible wrapping material is held at the front end against a front group and then pulled down during the formation of a first bend. through the gap between this front group and the next group, and so far out on the other side that the bow protrudes at least half the group length from this gap, after which the bow is cut to form two identical but separate sidewalls to the front, respectively. the vertical back side of the group and the other group's vertical front, whereby the front half of the bowing will constitute the rear end of the packing material for the front group, while the 15 rear half of the bowing will constitute the front end of the packing material for the subsequent group. , and by what method the front and the back the end of the packing material for the front group is then folded into the group and joined together.

The invention further relates to a machine for carrying out the method.

Such a method is known, in which the wrapping material web is pulled from a stock roll and passed via rollers or rollers at the rear of the group just to be packaged down from above by means of a clamping member coupled to a chain drive and which leads the wrapping material web down at the back of the group until it is cut there by means of a cutting device. In addition, the machine for carrying out this method is provided with a turntable which serves to wrap the packaging material around the group. The disadvantage of this known method and this known machine consists in the relatively low productivity and the incremental transport of the groups.

141359 2

The object of the invention is to improve the method described in the preamble in such a way that it can be carried out continuously without significant disturbances while providing a single working method which allows for high productivity while exposing the individual articles only too few movement changes along the transport path.

This is achieved by the method according to the invention being characterized in that the web of the wrapping material is guided along the upper side of several continuously advanced groups in their direction of feeding and that each bend before the cutting is pulled forward along the underside of the former group.

Hereby, the protruding bending portion, which at least 15 has a length corresponding to half the group length, is advanced in the direction of transport. Although this feature immediately appeared to be a disadvantage, this is not actually the case, as it has been found to be simple to solve the above task. Thus, e.g. groups of six cylindrical container boxes arranged with three pairs side by side are packed in close order at high speed. The method works without appreciable interference and ensures a smooth and continuous flow of the objects closely packed into groups from the beginning to the end of the enclosure.

Particularly flexible and shrinkable plastic materials, such as a plastic film, are used as wrapping material so that, after wrapping and heating the film, the group is firmly enclosed by the packaging material.

The packaging takes place without interruptions or changes in the continuous flow of the items to be wrapped.

For the wrapping, only a single through web of wrapping material is used, and this is conveniently placed in the direction of the maximum shrinkage # which coincides with the direction of movement of the conveyor. The cutting occurs only when each article is substantially completely shrouded, and it occurs on the underside so that the finished packaging has an aesthetically pleasing appearance and gives the user the greatest possible freedom to place advertising material on the top of the packaged container group.

The machine for carrying out the method is also relatively simple. This includes a carrier for carrying 10 and transporting the groups of articles, a bending forming means for the wrapping material, cutting means for the wrapping material, and pressing elements for pressing the pressing material pieces against the groups within the area in which the wrapping material pieces are placed around the groups. According to the invention, it is peculiar in that the conveyor is arranged to move the groups continuously forwardly through the envelope region at the same mutual distance, that the bow forming means is arranged to pull the web bending a distance 20 forward in the transport direction below the leading group and the cutting means are adapted to cut the bow in the forward position in which the bow forming member acts as a pressing member.

According to the invention, the bow forming member may be in the form of a transverse rod which is connected to a spacer serving to maintain the spacing or gap between consecutive groups A, B, C ... M. Thereby, a particularly simple bow forming member is obtained which, due to the spacer means, ensures that it can be easily removed from the groups of objects again after being used in connection with the packaging of the individual group.

In addition, according to the invention, the bow-forming member may be provided with a groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the member, which faces downwardly in the forward position, seen in the direction of transport, whereby the wrapping material is relatively easily cutable by the action of a cutting device off the recess.

5 In particular, according to the invention, the cutting means may be a rotatable body with radial arms, which at the end carries transverse cutting rods.

The invention is explained below with reference to the drawing, in which fig. 1 shows a simplified, perspective view for illustrating the working steps of the method according to the invention in connection with groups of objects which are advanced one after another on a transport path; FIG. 2 is a simplified fragment of the portion of the conveyor within which the groups of articles are formed; FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2, FIG. 3A is the same in another embodiment of the conveyor; FIG. 4 schematically interconnected lower and upper drive mechanisms of the conveyor of FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along lines 4a-4a and 4b-4b, respectively. 5 is a diagrammatic side view of the progressive steps during packaging in accordance with the method of the invention in relation to FIG. 1, FIG. 6 and 6A show longitudinal, vertical sections in the same aspect ratio through the packaging machine according to the invention, fig. 6 shows the packaging part itself, and fig. 6A is a subsequent part of the machine, FIG. 7 is a large scale view similar to that of FIG. 6 is a side view of the machine according to the invention, with parts removed for clarity; FIG. 8 shows a device for supporting and feeding the groups of objects, seen in the direction of arrows 8-8 in FIG.

6A shows, FIG. 9 shows a packaged group of articles, seen in the direction of arrows 9-9 in FIG. 6A during a hole punching operation; FIG. 10, 11, 12 and 13 are vertical sections along lines 10-10, 10 11-11, 12-12 and 13-13 respectively of FIG. 7, FIG. 14 and 15 in simplified vertical sections along lines 14-14 and 15-15 of FIG. 10, FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a bow forming member which is part of the machine according to the invention in larger dimensions 15 than in FIG. 1, 6, 6A, 7, 10, 14 and 15, also shown; 17 shows another embodiment of the packaging part of the machine according to the invention similar to that of FIG. 7, and FIG. 18 and 19 detail views of portions of FIG. 17, and which shows the mutual position of the parts at successive times.

Briefly, the invention relates to a method and a machine for the rapid and efficient packaging of groups of articles such as beverage containers in a flexible packaging material such as shrinkable plastic film or plastic film material. The containers are received in random order at one end of a conveyor lane and arranged in groups or bundles suitable for packaging and having their largest dimension across the conveyor direction of conveyance - while continuing to advance the groups along the conveyor is wrapped in the wrapping material which is advanced longitudinally along the conveying direction of the conveyor. As the conveyor eventually passes through a furnace, the wrapping material is heated, with ends of the wrapping material adhering and thereby being joined at the same time as it shrinks to a tight bounding connection with the group profile.

The invention is further described in connection with packaging 10 of 2 x 3 packages in which six identical cylindrical containers or cans are arranged in two rows of three, these three being arranged side by side, side by side, in a transverse direction. of the feed direction.

FIG. 1 serves as a schematic representation of the packaging process in general, and is therefore greatly simplified to facilitate the preparation of the individual packaging stages.

The longitudinal arrows at both ends of FIG. 1 indicates that there is a movement from left to right of a series of groups of objects A, B, C .... M along the conveyor 20 (not shown), during which movement the packaging completes to the final state that is indicated by the overall appearance of the packaging A at the end of the process.

Each group of objects, such as the group M, comprises, as mentioned, two adjacent rows of identical cylindrical containers 10-11-12-13-14-15 standing side by side in rows of three across the direction of movement of the conveyor. The formation of such groups is described later in connection with FIG. 2-4. The device used for this provides groups which are close to each other and with equal distance Δ between the 30 individual groups. Both this distance Δ and the speed at which the groups move forward along the conveyor are maintained throughout the packaging in the wrapping material.

The film material 16 used for the packaging is supplied from a roller or magazine 17 which may conveniently be placed above the conveyed groups on a rotating shaft extending transversely to the direction of movement of the conveyor. Tightening, positioning and feeding rollers and other guide rollers 18-19-20-21 guide the wrapping material down in the immediate vicinity of the adjacent plane formed by the upper ends of the groups, thereby allowing the wrapping material to be passed over one or more groups, scan indicated by the portion 22-23 which, as shown, extends across groups H and I. The material 16 is preferably a shrinkable plastic film and satisfactory results have been obtained using commercially available polyethylene film of a thickness. of 0.03 mm and 0.05 mm and extruded in the longitudinal direction so that the predominant shrinkage axis lies in the longitudinal direction in which the foil is advanced, namely in the feeding direction of the groups.

In the present case, each group is wrapped in a single cut piece of foil 16 which is placed around the can group 20. As best seen in group c, the individual film piece is so formed that it has two bottom flaps or ends 24-25 which overlap and adhere to or adjacent to side walls 26-27 and a smooth, continuous top surface 28. The width of the wrapping material 16 25 is greater than the total length of the groups and therefore protrudes beyond the ends of the groups by a piece W, since the applied sections 22-23 of the material are symmetrically placed across the groups. In the state in which the groups are completely shrouded (group C), the weight of the group's containers against the supporting (not shown) portions of the conveyor is sufficiently large to maintain the ends 24-25 in a still overlapping state while the shrouded group passes to an oven 30. In the embodiment shown in the invention, the rate at which the groups are advanced 35 to the oven 30 is greater than the rate at which the groups are advanced during the inhalation phase itself. A reciprocating plate 31 indicates rearwardly assisting means for guiding the wrapped or shrouded groups from one set of feeding means to the next. In the furnace, the overlapping ends 24-25 are merged and the ends projecting 5 outside are brought to end against the group contours, including the contours of the group ends. The faster feeding of entrapped groups into the furnace 30 allows for the greater distance shown between the groups, and the finished product is readily available for cooling to room temperature in a permanent, tight, bonded and shrunken state as shown in package A.

According to the invention, effective packaging with a single layer of wrapping material of the specified kind is accomplished by means of coordinated vertical and horizontal displacements 15 a bow forming member comprising a transverse rod such as the rod 33-34-35 carried by a linked endless system. not shown in FIG. 1. Each rod 33-34-35 may be connected to the endless system. Each bow forming member 33-34-35, of which there may be several, as indicated 20, further comprises a spacer rod 33'-34'-35 'for separating the groups, the corresponding pairs of rods, such as the rods 35-35, thus corresponding to each other. 'are connected to each other at the ends at a fixed distance, as indicated by dashed lines 36.

During a cycle of synchronized interaction between a pair of bars and consecutive groups, the bending-forming rod 35 is first brought into contact with the piece 22-23 of the film material located immediately above the space Δ, viewed vertically between two 30 consecutive groups (HI). While this rod is then directed downwardly into the gap Δ, the piece 22 is tightened over the top of the front group (H). As the bar 35 moves downward, as a bend, new foil material pulls down through and out on the other side of the vertical boundaries 35 of the space Δ, and during this downward movement, the bending-forming bar 35 is followed by the corresponding spacer 35 ', having a diameter substantially equal to the stretch Δ, thereby ensuring / maintaining the gap Δ.

5 As soon as the bow forming rod has passed through the gap Δ, it is caused to accelerate forward to pull the wrapping material in the same direction. Hereby, wrapping material is provided to form the portion of the envelope to cover the underside of the second or rear row of containers 13-14-15 in the front group. In FIG. 1, this situation is illustrated by the rod pairs 34-34 'operating between successive groups G-H and shown at a time when both rods 34-34' have the same speed and direction as groups 15 being transported. The rod 34 has at this point pulled the bending of foil material to the maximum and supports the containers 13-14-15, clamping foil material to the bottom flap against the containers with a force equal to the weight of these containers. The rod 34 ', which is here in the lowest 20 position, maintains the distance Δ between the groups, having contact with the lower portions of the groups G-H. At the same time, the rod 34 'ensures that the two halves of the bend are held tightly against and across the lateral groups of the successive groups to define the portions that will become the rear side 26 25 of the front group G and the front side 27 of the subsequent group H.

When the bowing is formed and stretched out, during which necessarily parts of the wrapping material have been formed simultaneously for each of two consecutive groups, it is divided essentially at its midpoint. This is shown in FIG.

1 by the bars 33-33 'acting between the two consecutive groups F-G. The intersection of the bend is shown schematically, in that a rotatable body 37 extending transversely of the direction of movement of the conveyor and synchronously driven 35 with the conveyor intersects the wrapping material at the location where it extends over a groove 38 in the rod 33. Such a groove 38 is formed in each bend-forming rod and is positioned on the rod such that it is found on the underside of the rod when the rod, such as the rod 5 33 in FIG. 1, is in its forward position.

When the inking material has been cut, the wrapping material of the front group F is separated from the web of the wrapping material supplied to the groups and a means 39 shown as an apparatus capable of blowing air 10 in a particular direction. , then affects the rear end 25 of the wrapping material in such a way that it is blown below the bottom of the group and here extends as far as it can now reach. In FIG. 1, the blower 39 is shown at the moment when it begins to affect the rear end of the wrapping material under group E, and as soon as this end is inflated to lie flat along the bottom, it is held in this position by by means of a holding means 40. In FIG. 1, this holding member 40 is shown in the performance of this function on the group D. The member 40 is, of course, a part 20 of the conveyor system where the holding action continues. The remaining portion of the wrapping operation comprises back unfolding of the front end 24 of the wrapping material so that it overlaps the rear end 25. This may be done by stationary means (not shown) encountered by the group 25 during feeding, e.g. between the positions in which groups D and C are shown in FIG. 1. While this overlap is taking place, the retaining means 40 is retracted by appropriate means (not shown).

The continuous envelope process described proceeds without any interruption or change in the speed at which the groups move through the envelope zone represented by groups J to C of FIG. 1. At the same time, the wrapping material from the supply roll 17 can be removed by a smooth and continuous rotation, e.g.

35 by synchronizing the displacement of the tensioner roll 19 in accordance with the transient need for wrapping material of the bow forming rod for each of the consecutive groups.

FIG. 1 also illustrates an optional element of the packaging according to the invention. If desired, the coating or wrapping material may comprise supplementary material such as a promotional billboard, retail premium or the like under the upper piece 28 of the shrink film. For this purpose, suitable reciprocating means 41 10 are mounted and arranged so that they move synchronously with the conveyor's successive advancement of groups and thereby be able to place cardboard plates 42 (shown with reinforcing side flanges 43) in plane with the upper end faces of the containers. . Such a new top plate 42 can thus be placed on 15 of each of the consecutive groups. In FIG. 1, such a top plate has been placed on groups K-J and all the preceding groups, but plate 42 is seen in a situation where it is being applied to group L.

The grouping of the containers themselves takes place in a device for receiving a continuous stream of incoming containers and for arranging this flow in successive groups with a mutual distance, such as e.g. is shown in FIG. 1, by the two consecutive groups M-L with the regular spacing Δ. The device for exercising this is schematically shown in FIG. 2, 3 and 4. In the case where the steady flow of supplied containers is received over a single feeding conveyor, which is best seen at the left end of FIG. 2, the conveyor of the device comprises an endless conveyor belt 45 consisting of interconnected elements which, at the upper stretch 47 of the belt, forms a support surface for the containers 46. Sprockets 48 spaced apart on a shaft 49 drive the conveyor belt 45 at a speed corresponding to the capacity of the device and a driving mechanism for this are shown schematically by a motor 35 50 which, via an appropriate gear connection 49 ', communicates with the shaft 49. The individual feeding of the containers is secured by fixed side rails 51-51' along conveyor belt.

The individually conveyed containers are discharged therefrom into a wider zone 52 of the device. Here, the containers are allowed to freely find their own position in the transverse direction according to the container capacity in the zone 52. As shown in FIG. 4, the conveyor within zone 52 comprises two identical conveyor belts 53-53 ', spaced apart 10 on each side of a smooth track or plate 54, and driven via a common shaft 55 and a suitable interchange 55' associated with the motor 50.

The wider zone 52 is provided with side rails 57-57 'which converge to a narrower passage zone 58. These 15 rails 57-57' are, as shown, integral with side rails 59-59 'in the zone 58. In this zone 58 occupies the receptacles in such a position that they form a honeycomb-like or rhombic pattern. The distance between the rails 59-59 'defining this narrower passage zone 58 is preferably greater than twice the outer diameter of the containers but less than three times this diameter. The density with which the containers can be packed in the narrower zone 58 is, of course, dependent on the distance between the rails 59-59 '. The distance between the rails 59-59 'at the narrowest point 25 of the passage zone will generally be 2.5 to 2.8 times the outer container diameter, and in the case of cylindrical containers of the order of 340 g or 454 g. a distance of between 2.7 and 2.75 times the container diameter is preferred.

30 Within the narrower passage zone 58 is a conveyor 60 which carries the containers continuously in operation. It is in direct contact with the individual containers and thus ensures that the containers form the desired honeycomb pattern in zone 58.

This conveyor 60 is driven by the shaft 61, on which several chain wheels are arranged and the shaft 61 is driven by the motor 50 via an appropriate gear 62 '. In the embodiment shown, the conveyor 60 comprises three separate conveying members in the zone 58. These are all driven by the common shaft 61. The first of these conveyors is shown in FIG. 4 is provided with reference numeral 61 'and comprises two separate sprocket 62 and corresponding sprocket 63 which can freely rotate on a shaft 64 which, in the direction of advance, is further forward. The sprocket system 62-63 10 bases two endless chains 65 which are spaced smaller than the container diameter and extend symmetrically to the center of the containers 66-66 'which are aligned with one another along the narrower zones 58 in the middle.

Each of these chains 65 is provided with carriers in the form 15 of projections 67 spaced apart and at corresponding locations along the respective chains. X fig. 4, these projections are shown by small circles on dotted lines, which denote the chains 65. These projections 67 are, as can be seen in FIG. 3, arranged to engage each container 66 at the center of the conveyor in such a way that, at a distance from one another in the transverse direction of the conveyor, they symmetrically abut the rearwardly curved surface of each of the middle containers.

The conveyor in the crawl zone 58 also consists of two smaller pairs of chain systems 61 "which assist in the erection and transport of containers 68-68 'and 69-69', respectively, which are aligned one after the other in outer rows. The chain systems 61" are in all with respect to the system 61 ', except for their outer location, and having longitudinal extension 30 longer than the system 61', running over loose sprocket 70 carried by an additional shaft 71. The chain systems 61 "can be operated at by means of sprockets secured to the same shaft 61 as the sprockets 62, and the chains of the chain systems 61 "may be provided with a pair of carriers 35 in the form of projections 72 (Fig. 3) for advancing the outer receptacles 69 69 ', and similar pairs of protrusions 72' to 141359 14 advancing the containers 68-68 'on the other side of the conveyor. The projections 72-72 'for advancing corresponding outer containers 68-68', 69-69 'are displaced in the direction of advance relative to the projections 67 to 5 for the provision of the middle containers 66-66'. This displacement is of such magnitude that each container is subjected to a direct acting shear force within zone 58, i.e. in spite of the shaft 64, at which the conveyor system 61 'ends, middle containers 10 73-73' are, nevertheless, continuously driven forward because they are individually subjected to symmetrical back-loading forces directly from adjacent containers 74 -74 'and 75-75' respectively in the two outer rows.

The narrower passage zone 58 ends approximately at the location where shaft 71 is located. At this location, transport means in the form of a new pair of centrally located, endless transport chains 76 take over the feeding of the containers. The chains 76 are driven by sprockets 76 'spaced apart and attached to the shaft 71 driven 20 by the motor 50 via a suitable gear 71'. The other end of the chain system 76 runs over loose sprocket 77 on the shaft 78, which may represent the location where the conveyed container groups are delivered to the envelope zone of the machine. Here, the interchange 71 'through which the chain system is operated 25 preferably provides a faster advance rate than that occurring in the narrower zone 58. This greater speed allows the formation of the space Δ between the groups.

While the gap Δ is formed, the outer containers are held back relative to the middle containers to form the two transverse rows necessary for the formation of the final container group, each containing three adjacent containers. This takes place in a divergent zone 79 in which the outer rows of containers 35 80-80'-80 "and 81-81'-81" are not subjected to a direct driving force, but rather slip or squeeze over supporting brake plates 82-82 'while being pushed forward by the middle containers 83-83', the outermost containers being pressed outwardly against side rails 84-84 'along the diagonal zone 79.

The chain system 76 is also provided with carriers in the form of projections 85 which are arranged to engage and move the containers and, as seen in the direction of advance, have a greater spacing than the projections in the chain systems 61 'and 61 ". greater distance between two consecutive projections 85 is substantially equal to the desired distance Δ between the groups plus a piece equal to the container diameter multiplied by the number of transverse rows to be packaged at one time. the invention is a double puller - to be included in a 2 x 3 pack with a total of six containers - why the distance, seen in the direction of feed, between successive sets of projections 85 on the chain system 76 is substantially equal to twice the outer Container diameter 20 plus the distance Δ. During passage through the divergent zone 79, the sliding outer containers 80'-80 "and 81'-81" are actually accelerated due to the faster feeding the middle containers 83-83 '. However, due to being dragged, they are retarded relative to the middle 25 containers until they are transversely aligned with the middle containers, ie. the containers 80'-83-81 'and 80 "-83'-81" form the transverse rows in a group. This occurs when the distance between the side rails 84-84 'has essentially become three times the outer container diameter.

30 From this point, the outer container pairs can again be subjected to a direct feeding force to maintain the shape of the group and maintain the position of the containers between them. As shown in FIG.

3, for this purpose, further similar outer transport chain systems 86 and 86 'are provided, which are also provided with projections 87 and 88 respectively for the container feeds, and which have a mutual adjustment to the location where their drive shaft 89 is located and to Due to the synchronization between the drive system of the chain systems 76-86-86 'the shafts 71-89, as shown in connection with the motor 50, are via the same interchange 71'. In the transition region between the slower feed at the conveyor 55 and the faster feed at the conveyor 76, the middle containers may be supported by a not shown fixed plate or shoe or by a short extra centrally located chain system 90. The chain system 90 runs on sprockets on the shafts. 64 and 89 10 and are not provided with projections for feeding the containers. It is driven by the shaft 64 via an interchange 64 'which may be so adapted to the interchange 62' that no middle change is imparted to the middle containers.

Similarly, if desired, the brake plates 82-82 'can be replaced by supplementary chain systems 90' running on sprocket on shafts 64-89 and also driven by shaft 64. Like chain system 90, system 90 'does not project to it is located between the two transport chains which align their respective 20 containers with each other. As can be seen, the shaft 78 carries loose sprockets for all the chain systems 75-86-86 'in the extended zone, with fully grouped 2x3 groups advancing with the spacing Δ. In this zone, the side rails are unnecessary as the projections 85-87-88 25 are assumed to have full control over the rows in the groups.

However, an independent continuation of the side rails is preferred as shown at 92-92 'to ensure that there are side groups in the groups. The distance between the rails 92 and 92 'is necessarily three times the outer diameter of the container plus a smaller size for clearance.

The device described is fully capable of securing the desired automatic grouping of containers into groups of three adjacent containers in two consecutive rows, as long as there is a sufficient supply of containers 86 at the entrance to the converging zone 52. The extension of the converging zone 141359 17 52 is sufficiently large to ensure that containers remain in the center row in alignment with each other, but also that other containers are distributed to the right and left of the center row to the extent that a sufficient supply of containers is always available in the converging zone 52. The density at which the containers are packed as they enter the narrower passage zone 58 will depend on the specially selected distance between the side rails 59-59 ', and the distance between 10 pairs of projections 67 corresponding to one another, seen in the direction of advance of the middle chain system 61 '(and also between matching pairs of protuberances 72-72 'on the outer chain systems 61 ") are, of course, selected so as to suit the narrowing of the distance between the rails 59-59 *. In the dense compact distribution shown in FIG. 3, the projections 67 are offset relative to the projections 72-72 'a piece which is approx. corresponds to the half distance between successive projections 72-72 'on the outer transport systems 61 ".

Although the described device, as mentioned, in the desired manner 20 will separate and form groups of containers, it is preferred to provide the system with a further securing of the grouping. This fuse is achieved by means of chain systems arranged above the containers which are synchronized with the lower chain systems extending below the plane on which the containers stand. These upper or above chain systems are shown schematically in the lower half of FIG.

4, and as will be seen, they are connected in a generally known manner to the drive system for their respective corresponding chain systems below the containers. In the narrower passage zone 58, e.g. two separate transport chains 94-94 'by means of sprockets 95, which are secured to an overhead drive shaft 96 which, as it appears, has a direct connection 97 to the lower drive shaft 61. These chains 94-94' additionally run on loose sprockets 99-99 'which can freely rotate on a shaft 100 mounted directly above the shaft 89. The chains 94-94' are also provided with projections 98-98 'which are arranged so that the distance between successive projections corresponds to corresponding distances between projections 72 and 72 ', so that the projections 98-98' will engage parts of containers in the outer rows of the narrower passage zone 58.

Although chains 94-94 'extend over the divergent zone 79 within which the containers in the outer rows are spread outwards to the side relative to the middle row, while the containers in the middle row are accelerated, this presents no problem as the movement of the outer vessels in this area is in a direction away from their engagement with the projections 98-98 '. Above the divergent zone, there is also arranged a centrally located pair of chains 101 driven by sprocket 102 secured to a shaft 15 107 which is synchronized with the shaft 71. At the opposite end, these chains run on two loose sprockets 102 ', each of which can freely rotate on a shaft 103 overlying the shaft 78. On this chain system 101, projections 104 are provided such that the distance between two successive sets of projections corresponds to corresponding distances between the projections 85 of the corresponding lower chain system 75. To complete the overhead conveyor chains, 105-105 ', which are aligned with the outer chain systems 86-86', 25 and which have projections 106-106 'are disposed, which is transversely aligned with the projections 104 as well as with the projections 85-87-88 on the chain systems below the receptacles. Chains 105-105 'are driven by means of a sprocket on an overhead drive shaft 107 which is synchronized with the corresponding drive shaft 89 below the containers and runs over loose sprockets 108-108', each of which can rotate independently about the shaft 103.

In the device described for arranging the containers in groups, the grouping is carried out such that the containers stand side by side, three and three, by retarding, decelerating or dragging the outer containers relative to the accelerating speed. advancing the adjacent central vessels, which occurs during passage of the containers through the divergent zone 79. As can be seen in FIG. 1, however, the desired groups can also be formed by allowing the outer containers to accelerate during their advance, while retaining or dragging the middle vessels. In FIG. 1 shows strong, dashed lines 110-110 'schematically weakly divergent, identical and synchronized chain systems for advancing containers through the divergent zone. Each of these chain systems 10 comprises pairs of projections in the form of projections which are spaced apart and which ensure direct feeding of outer containers through the divergent region at a correct speed and in the right direction. In this zone, if desired, the center vessels can either be advanced by sliding in the same manner as discussed with reference to FIG. 4 in connection with the chain systems 90-90 'or by the use of a supporting plate 112 which can carry the middle containers while retarded relative to the outer containers. At the end of divergent zone 79, the 20 transverse rows of containers in the group are exactly aligned, and the projections 85 on the middle chain system 76 engage and take over the continued advancement of the middle containers in the successive groups, i. all containers are then advanced at the same accelerating speed so as to provide the desired distance Δ between the groups, as previously described. The envelope process itself has been described in its entirety with reference to FIG. 1, and to simplify this description, the conveyor, supporting means and drive means 30 were omitted. The complete structure and relationship of these parts will be described with reference to FIG. 5 and 6, of which FIG. 6 shows both the synchronized overhead drive systems and the synchronized drive systems located below the container support. 35 will also be referred to FIG. 7, which shows in greater detail details of mechanisms during the container support. Furthermore, reference will be made to FIG. 10, 11, 12 and 13 showing vertical sections at various locations along the envelope path. Details of the control and regulation of the overlying members will then be described in connection with FIG. 14, 15 and 16, The container groups in these figures illustrate successive steps and are usually provided with letters T, U, V_____Z.

Initially, it should be mentioned that in the packaging zone, the parts located above comprise two endless chain systems whose chain links have been omitted for clarity. A first such system comprises one endless chain running over one another, spaced sprocket systems using a drive shaft 115 and a non-driven or loose shaft 116. Each of these shafts is positioned just above the upper end plate of the containers. and extending transversely to the conveying direction of conveyor 15.

Drive sprocket 117 on shaft 115 is mounted just outside the outer ends of the containers in the transverse direction of the groups, and similar sprocket 118 can rotate freely between spacer rings 119-119 'on shaft 116 shown in upwardly projecting frame members 120-121 on the sides. of the machine stand (see Fig. 10). Chain systems 122 connecting mutually responsive, driven and non-driven sprockets 117-118 on the respective sides of the conveyor are held tight by appropriate chain tensioning means (symbolically shown at 25 123) so that the lower, unstressed stretch of each chain moves substantially in the same plane with the upper ends of the containers in the passing groups. The chain systems 122 are thus interconnected by systems of transverse rods so that they can perform two functions in connection with the passing container groups.

A first series of transverse rods 124 are attached to the chain systems 122 in such a way that, in the conveying direction of the conveyor, they have a spacing corresponding to the distance between corresponding portions of successive container groups, namely a distance substantially two. times the container diameter plus the distance Δ between two groups. The rod 124 may have and preferably have a diameter substantially equal to the distance Δ, and to the type of containers shown in FIG. 6 and 7, the rods 124 locate the adjacent edges of the vessels at diametrically opposite points on the successive rods 124. Between rods 124, the chain systems 122 carry additional transverse rods 125-126. These rods are spaced apart and spaced from adjacent rods 124 such that they provide a generally centrally located, overlapping engagement with the aligned front and rear containers in each group. The rods 125-126 are so cut or flattened on one side that they have a generally semi-circular cross-sectional profile with 15 plane hold-down sides 125 ^126 arranged to engage central transverse regions on each row of passing containers. The drive shaft 115 is obviously driven continuously through a synchronized gear or other mechanisms by means of the motor 50. As can be seen from FIG. 6, constant speed operation of the conveyor comprising the above spacing and retaining mechanism provided with reference numerals 124-125-126 (Fig. 6) will ensure continuous engagement and locating of the peaks on all passing containers. over a limited section of the conveyor path corresponding approximately to three groups, seen in the conveyor direction of travel.

Before proceeding with the description of the mechanism under the plane in which the vessels are supported, it should be noted that the shafts 115-116 perform additional support functions with similar chain systems by means of which the bending-forming rods 33 and the associated spacers 33 'are moved. The guiding of these bars 33-33 'does in fact involve additional mechanisms to be described since 35, but it is sufficient here to mention the loose sprockets 127 of FIG. 10 located between the spacer rings 128-128 'at the extreme end of the shaft 116, i.e. outside the freely rotatable sprocket 118 and within the confines of the frame members 120-121. In FIG. 10, these additional chain systems leading the rods 33-33 'are shown schematically and denoted by reference numeral 129. The feed and control device for the chain system 129, which comprises fixed cam means and other guides to be described later, defines a continuous path of movement for the rods 33 in the manner described in connection with FIGS. 1, i.e. (a) for successive extraction of bends of wrapping material, (b) for subsequent pulling of the bend through the gap between consecutive groups followed by (c) lifting up the movement path of the containers and around the sprocket system associated with shaft 115; (d) for returning back over the sprocket system 122 and then (e) repeating the cycle after trapping the wrapping material 16 for extracting subsequent bays down between the subsequent two groups of containers. In FIG. 6, the alpha-20 lowercase order represents the order of bending-forming rods 33 and spacer rods 33 ', and the rigid connection between associated pairs of rods 33-33' is again indicated by dotted lines 36.

Under the container support plan, the envelope and the support of the groups are assisted by a system of various endless drive chains with associated transverse supports, which are synchronously operated with the main conveyor and which operate in coordination with the movement of the bay-forming rods 33 to ensure retention thereof. The position of 30 individual groups all the way during the transport at a constant speed from the beginning to the end of the wrapping phase. This phase begins with the separation of groups from the group forming conveyor shown in FIG. 6 is symbolized by the sprocket 77 and the shaft 78, and a suitable guide plate 130 at the end of the group forming conveyor provides a smooth transition of the groups support, as they are passed to the various interlaced subsystems or subsystems of the conveyor during the further conveying path.

As shown in FIG. 6, these subsystems 5 first comprise a system of large spacers 131 which are spaced apart and which are passed over spaced upper sprockets 132-133 and over spaced lower sprockets 134-135. The upper section 136 of this chain system is just below the plane indicating the support of the containers, and in FIG. 6 it can be seen that this stretch of the chain system extends substantially over five group lengths between a sprocket 137 for the sprocket 132 and a sprocket 138 for the sprocket 133. A second sprocket system 140 consisting of a pair of endless chains runs over more adjacent sprocket wheels 141-142 and over a third lower sprocket 143. The upper section 144 of this chain system is essentially the distance between corresponding parts in consecutive groups, the stretch being defined as the distance between the shaft 138 of the sprocket 142 and a shaft 145 of the sprocket 141. A third and even smaller system 146 of endless chains runs over even more tight-fitting sprockets 147-148 as well as over a lower sprocket 149. The sprocket 147 sits on the same shaft 137 as the sprocket 132.

As shown in FIG. 10, this shaft 137 is a drive shaft rotatably mounted in bearings 150 on each side of the side portions 120-121 of the frame. The one end of the shaft 137 'protrudes at one side a little outside the side part of the stand, whereby the shaft can here be connected to the motor (not shown). The sprockets 147 at least the chain system 146 of endless chains are axially positioned within the drive sprockets 132, 30 driven by the same shaft, but as will later be pointed out, the chain system 146 is driven by the shaft 148, so the sprockets 147 run freely around the shaft 137.

The larger endless chain system 131 runs outside the plane in which the chain system 146 moves, so that transverse members connecting corresponding points along the smaller chain system 146 can freely pass within the space constrained by the path of movement. for transverse means carried by the larger outer chain system 131. Similarly, the path of movement of the transverse members carried by the second smaller chain system 140 lies near the end of the packing zone completely within the path of movement of the transverse members of the large chain system 131. .

The large endless chains 131 have the function of supporting the front edge of the groups or transversely supporting half of the front containers of the individual groups passing through the wrapping zone. Transverse members 155 comprise protruding portions 156 (Figs. 10, 11), each carrying a bracket 157 which may be part of a link in the outer chain system 131. In the area in which the containers are supported, the portions 156 are delimited by a horizontal surface 158 and a vertical surface 159. Along the upper section 136 of the chain, the chain system 131 is guided along a suitable horizontal rail system, schematically shown in FIG. 11 and is provided with the reference numeral 160 which ensures that the front ends of all groups are supported in the same plane. For each of the rod-shaped members 155, a rocker arm system with arms 161, seated in a staggered position, is pivotally mounted in the center region below the feeding path of the containers, which carries the rod 40 holding one end of the wrapping material against the bottom of a group of containers. The path of movement of the rod-shaped members 155 follows the movement of the upper chain stretch 136 of the chain system 131 in such a way that the surfaces 158 constantly maintain the containers 30 in the support plane. However, the bar 40 holding the end of the wrapping material under the bottom of the group is not needed until the group is near the end of the wrapping process and that position is determined by a fixed elongated guide shoe or a fixed cam follower member 162 having a first horizontal stretch 163 which is substantially separate from the plane of support of the groups and therefore on this stretch the rod 40 holds in a position where it is retracted relative to the support plane of the groups. The stretch 163 extends into an upward ramp 164 which again runs into a higher lying stretch 165 extending over the remaining portion of the chain stretch 136. Within this higher lying stretch 165, a roller 166 which sits below rod 40, and which runs across the guide shoe or cam member 162, rod 40 so as to cause the rear end 25 of the packing material to hold up against the bottom of that group, pushing the end 25 up towards the rear half of the the front transverse container row in each group. In FIG. 7, this relationship is most clearly seen immediately in front of plane 12-12. The retention of the end 25 of the wrapping material continues during the remaining portion of the chain stretch 136. In FIG. 7, the end 25 of the wrapping material is just beginning to be released from the support of the rod 40 in the lower right corner of the figure. This occurs at the time as the continuous movement of the conveyor forwards leads the group in question to brief support of a support plate 167, which is tasked to fold the front end 124 of the wrapping material below the group so that this end 24 of the wrapping material the movement of the containers 25 is, of course, so rapid in the conveying direction of the conveyor that there is no practical possibility that the control of the rear end 25 is lost before it has been overlapped by the front end 24 while the group is being moved out of the chain system 131.

The function of the chain system 140 at the end of the wrapping process is to provide additional support for the container groups when the control from other means has ceased. The supporting members carried by the chain system 140, as shown, comprise five transverse members per second.

The front of these members is a transverse rod or plate 170 which is rigidly connected to a chain link 171 via a portion 172 which ensures that plate 170 will lie in the plane of the container groups blind when any such a rod or plate 170 passes through the top section 14 of the chain system 140. The synchronization 5 of the chain system 140 relative to the chain system 131 is such that the plates 170 advance the containers in a certain relationship with the rods 40 holding the ends of the wrapping materials and located in the chain system 131. The width of the bars 170 is sufficient to substantially overlap portions of the bottoms of all containers in each group. The rods 170 are immediately followed by a series of three other rods 173-174-175 which are rigidly connected to each chain link in the chain system 140. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, these bars 173-174-175 are seen to support the center region 15 of the rear row of three containers in the group. The last supporting member 176 in each set of supporting members carried by the chain system 140 is an elongated angular member or bracket having a flat portion which coincides in a horizontal direction with the plane extending through the members 170- 173-174-175 as they move through the stretch 144, as shown by the group U of FIG. 7th

The members 176 are also provided with an upwardly extending rear edge against which the rear lower edge of the rear containers of each group is positioned, thereby providing a direct advance of successive groups in such a way that they are spaced apart. The location of the shaft 145 which determines the beginning of the chain stretch 144 is selected so that the chain 140 is released from the bending 30 forming rods 33 as they stop their forward movement and begin to pass back. In the position of the bundle V in FIG. 7, the bow-forming rod 33 still supports the rear half of the group, while the members 170-173-174-175-176 move up to the position in which they support the repositioning rod 33. The various parts of the group v in FIG. 7 also serves to show the vertical return of spacer 33 ', while the associated bow forming rod 33 is moved backward relative to the group V which is moved forward. The function of the chain system 146 (Figs. 6 and 7) at the beginning 5 of the wrapping phase is to provide additional support for the groups in relation to the advance of the bow forming rod 33 and the supporting supports 355. The length of the chain system 146 and its synchronized drive is so arranged that 10 correct support is ensured relative to the time of subsequent groups arrival. The further function of the chain system 146 is to provide a transitional support for the bottoms of the rear containers of each group while leaving the support provided by the plate 130 and until the bow-forming rod has been able to provide support under the bottom of these containers. . In the illustrated embodiment, the chain system 146 has a length such that it cycles for every two groups passing and therefore the chain system is merely provided with two transverse 20 support rods 178. Each rod 178 is formed integrally with one another mutually lying in the respective chains 146 and projecting far enough outside the chain to provide support to the groups during the movement of the rod in close proximity to the path of the groups. Each bar 178 moves prior to a bow forming bar 133, providing support beneath the bottom of the rear containers of each group, and since each bar 33 must necessarily have a forward speed greater than the speed at which the groups move, The chain system 146 is moved at a greater velocity than the speed at which the system 131 is moved. The drive sprocket for the chain system 146 may be the sprocket 148, the sprocket 147 being freely rotatable about the shaft 137 and guided by spacer rings as shown in FIG. 10th

The faster movement of the bar 178, ie. faster than the movement of the bar 155, can be seen in FIG. 6 and 7. In FIG. 6 28 U1359, the bar 178 supports the front portion of the rear row of containers in a container group Y, and the bow forming bar 33 assists with this support. Before the bar 33 was able to provide this support, the bar 178 supported the bottom of the same containers a little further back before these containers had been released from the plate 130. FIG. 7 shows the situation at a later time, and again for the group Y. Here, the bar 178 has guided the supporting function to the rear of the bottoms of the front row of containers in the group. At this point, the bow-forming rod 33 is in a position furthest from the group (i.e., it is moved forward at the same speed as the group, and the bar 178 is about to rotate the sprocket 148 and thus away from it below As the rod makes this pivotal retraction, the synchronized guide of the bar 178 ensures that it is released from the adjacent bar 40 which is to support the end of the wrapping material.

FIG. 7 also serves to show, in the case of group Y, that the lower position and diameter of the spacer bar 33 'are arranged in proportion to the proportions and position of the bow-forming rod 33, that the bending of the wrapping material 179 is pulled out and brought down about 25 the group Y can just go free and therefore cannot collide with the adjacent portion 180 of the extracted wrapping material from the supply roll 17. Furthermore, when this wrapping material is pulled out, there is a small clearance 181 present between the rod 33 'and the adjacent front edge of the containers of the subsequent group Z, which ensures that the wrapping material during the formation of the bow can freely be pulled out and slide over the rounded contour of the rod 33 '.

The group Y is thus fully supported at all times and is continuously advanced without deceleration. Furthermore, the wrapping material lies tightly over the downwardly extending groove 38 in the rod 33 ready to be cut through.

In the group X of FIG. 7, the position of the individual organs is seen in the 5 main proceedings at the time when the wrapping material is cut through. The pivotal cutting body 37 is driven synchronously with the forward movement along the conveying path and comprises one or more transverse cutting rods 182 which are spaced apart so as to readily enter into each groove 38 passing. This interaction is achieved in the illustrated embodiment with one of three rods 182 which are spaced at equal angular distance around the axis of rotation of the cutting body. The cutting rods 182 are shown as electrical resistance or heat wires bent in such a way as to form arms 183 extending radially at the ends and connected to suitable supply sources, as indicated by a sliding connection 184 in FIG. 11. As previously mentioned, the wrapping material is heat sensitive, and as a result, the threads 182 are heated sufficiently to provide a clean and fast cutting in a short time by inserting the threads 182 into the cut grooves 38. A further fuse for obtaining a clean cut enables pushing rods 185 carried by the rotatable cutting body and extending in radial direction slightly further than the cutting rods 182 and following at a sufficiently long distance to avoid collision with the bow forming rods 33. FIG. 7, at this point the top of the push rods 185 of the group S has pressed against and locally stretched the part 180 of the wrapping material exactly at the time when the adjacent cutting rod 182 has locally softened the wrapping material with the intention of cutting it. As a result, a clean separation has been obtained and the cut tab 186 is left hanging so as to be shown with fully drawn lines in connection with the group X and with dashed lines relative to the bar 33 shown in dotted lines 141359. W.

Between the two positions of the successive groups X-W, shown with fully drawn lines in FIG. 7, the group W will have passed an intermediate position indicated 5 by the dashed contour of the rod 33. In this intermediate position, the suspended cut-off tab 186 is hit by the air flow blowing upwards and forwards from the blower member 39. for lifting and moving forward with respect to the rod 33 and then lying flat 10 against the bottom of the containers in the group W. Then and at the time when the group W reaches the position shown in full lines in FIG. 7, the rod 40 to hold the tab will be guided along the ramp 164 to the position shown where it holds the tab or the rear end 15 of the wrapping material against the group W.

FIG. 7 and the associated sectional figures 11, 12 and 13 serve to further show means controlling the location of the front end of the wrapping material so as to cause it to overlap the rear end 25. This front end 20 of the wrapping material appears at the intersection ( group X) and formed by the portion 180. By dotted lines and at the position 180 ', by group X, it is suggested that the front end of the wrapping material will tend to fall down and occupy a vertical position 25 immediately after is released from the push bar 185.

The front portion 180 resulting from the intersection is intercepted by a system of longitudinal rods 187 which serve to pull the resulting front ends of the wrapping materials on all groups passing the intersection site. At group X, the engagement with rods 187 has just begun. In fact, rod portion 187 is perpendicularly positioned so that it lies below an upper elongate portion 188 of the rod system, said portion extending substantially to the chain system 140, with a ramp or connecting portion 189 connecting the two portions 187 188th At the upper portion 188 of each of these rods, each of these extends into and freely through a downwardly open cutout 190 in the planar vertical portion 159 of each container support member 155. As the groups pass forward from the site where the front one tab 180 of the wrapping material begins to engage with rods 187, the tab is pulled over rod 187, and after meeting with ramp 189, the material is held in the gap between upper longitudinal rod members 188 and the cut-out portion 190 of support member 155. In this state, control of the front flap 180 during passage through the airflow from the blower means 39 is maintained. Once the cans have passed the area in which the blower operates, such control of the wrapping material can cease, and the flap 180 is allowed to fall down to it. hanging or vertical position in which it is shown by the group W. Only when the wrapping material meets the support plate 167 does it begin tab 180 to be laid longitudinally along the bottom of that group to form the front end of the wrapping material to overlap the rear end 25, as shown by the group U of FIG. 7. The extension of the extension 165 of the cam follower to the right past the vertical plane through the last sprocket shaft 138 suggests that control over the rear end 25 of the wrapping material remains until the overlap with the front end 24 has begun.

Heretofore, the overlying members of the wrapping machine have only been mentioned in general terms. The bow forming bars 33 and the spacer bars 33 'have been described with reference to their programmed interaction with the advance of the groups and with the synchronized support means and the holding and feeding mechanism under the conveyor plane of motion. FIG. 14, 15 and 16 show further details of the machine's overhead members.

The orientation and displacement of the rod pairs 33-33 'are fixed by endless chain systems 129 running over sprockets 127 and 195 on shafts 116 and 115. Of these shafts, shaft 115 is driven while shaft 116 is retained against rotation. A strongly dashed line 196 schematically shows a supporting guide rail for the upper horizontal movement of the chain system 129 between the sprockets 195 and 127 and a similar dashed line 197 indicates guide rails for the lower and downward displaced path of the chain system 129. to the locations where the groups 10 are located, each chain system 129 is provided with a special chain link 198 formed integrally with a downwardly extending portion 199, in which mechanisms with rods can be pivotally supported at an offset pin 200 (FIG. 16). Such pins 200 connect the portions 199 to flat plates or lever rods 201 to which the spacers 33 'are pivotally connected.

In the illustrated embodiment, the latter pivotal connection is provided by means of a pin 202 which is secured to the plate 201, 20 by means of suitable means 203 and which is arranged in a hole or bed at the end of the rod 33 'or carried by the rigid arm 36 at the respective ends of the rod 33 '. The location of the pins 202 determines a axis of rotation 204 which is offset relative to the axis of rotation of the pins 200, so that a rotation assigned to plate 201 will change the direction of the displacement of the spacer axis 204 relative to the connection point 200 to the chain system 129 Each of the plates 201 is shown to be provided with an extension carrying a core follower, such as an outwardly extending roll 205. Similarly, the rods 36 connecting the bow forming rod and the spacer rod 33 'are provided with an extension. which carries a cam follower, such as a pin or roller 206, which protrudes outwardly on one arm 36 and axially inwards on the other, in which latter case it is provided with the reference numeral 207. The system comprising the rods 33-33 ' and the arms 36 are rigid and can rotate as a unit about the two pins 202. In addition, it is carried by the plates 201 which can rotate about the axis of rotation of the pins 200.

To complete the description of these parts, it should be mentioned that the arm 36 with the cam follower 207 is provided with additional cam followers, one of which 208 protrudes in the rearward direction and the other 209 protrudes forward. Finally, at the second arm 36, there is a cam follower pin 227 which protrudes to the side in extension of the axis of the bow forming rod 33.

The interaction between the various cam followers and groove members determined for each of the parts of FIG. 16 will be described with reference to FIG. 14 and 15. In principle, the cam follower roll 205 follows a continuous recess or cut between two guide plates 210-211 carried by the machine statute. This indentation follows a path shown by a continuous endless dashed line 212. This path generally extends for a given substantially constant distance in radial direction from the path of the chain system 129. Only in the region near the The wrapping web 212 approaches the chain system 129 at the stretch 213. This stretch is immediately followed by another stretch 214, which has a major deviation away from the path of the chain system 129. The purpose of this particular path over the stretch 213-214 is to provide the arms 36 a steeper position so as to achieve the rapid insertion of the rods 33-33 'into the space Δ between the groups 25, followed by a rapid acceleration forward under the vessels. The positioning of the arms in this steep position is the result of a simultaneous action of the web sections 213-214 and of fixed cam surfaces 215-216 formed on plates rigidly connected to the side parts of the machine frame. The rearward projecting arm 208 follows the exterior of these surfaces, namely the cam surface 216 and the cam follower pin or roller 217 follows the contours of the inner cam surface 215. The plate 217 on which the contour 215 is formed is carried by the fixed shaft 216 through a hub 218 and is secured to the the hub using a 35 set screw 219.

141359 34

At the other end of the path of the chain system 129, the forward arms 209 engage and follow a cam surface 220 on a fixed plate 221 (Fig. 14). On the upper return web section, a fixed overlying plate 222 (Fig. 15) with a specially formed contour at lower edge 223 intercepts and guides the last cam follower 206. This contour comprises a deep cut or groove 224 at the center of the upper section of the chain system. 129. The purpose of this cut 224 is to allow the cam followers 206 to successively pass up into the recess 224, causing the arms 36 to change orientation as they move from right to left along the upper stretch of the chain system 129.

During this orientation change, rotation about the axis 204 occurs and the dotted line outline 36 'with 15 associated arrows indicates the forward movement of the arms 36 during the orientation change. It should be noted that the mass of the bow-forming rods 36 as well as the displacement of the axis of rotation 204 is adapted so that the rods 33 are constantly suspended downwards under the influence of gravity by means of, of course, one or more of the various cam follower means. necessary to press the cam followers 206 into proper engagement with the cam surface 223 and thereby achieve the orientation change of the rod 36. The inclination of an end ramp 225 on the cam edge 25 223 is arranged to provide the rod 36 with a proper equilibrium position so that it a smooth transition can cross and contact the surface 216 with the arm 208 (see Fig. 14) regarding the suspension of the rod 33j.

The operation of the overlying bar systems 33-33 will be more clearly apparent from the description of a full cycle beginning at the bend-forming bar 300a of FIG. 14 (see also Fig. 6). At the time corresponding to the position shown for the rod 33a, the arm 36 is positioned to adjust the rod 33a rearwardly relative to the rod 33 ', and a direct control of this movement is obtained by the cam follower 208 and cam follower 216 and cam follower 205 and cam follower 215, respectively, and cam follower 215. Up to this point, the displacement provided by the curve 212 relative to the path of the chain side 229 has remained substantially constant, but at this point the bends 213-214 operate. 5 being followed by the cam follower roll 205. The resulting wave movements occur while the members 207-208 continue to be controlled by the cam faces 215-216 and result in a left-to-right tilt after both bars 33-33 'are passed into the gap Δ between the container groups, and the 10 bending formation in the main case is progressing.

The end result of the action of the various cooperating cam members is a safe, non-colliding passage of the rods 33-33 'through the gap Δ while the rod 33 is accelerated forwardly under the containers in the manner already described, without disturbing effect on the normal the progress of the container groups at a constant speed along the transport path. In order to facilitate the understanding of FIG. 14, a dashed line 226 indicates the level at which rods 33-33 'begin to pass into the gap 20 between the groups. The bar 33 is thus in a position for such an insertion, and the bar 33b has already passed down through the space Δ and is in the process of accelerating forward under a container group. This particular relationship is shown by the rod 33b in FIG. 6th

When the bow forming rod 33 has passed the gap Δ and has deviated from the plane determined by the bottom of the advancing groups, the cam follower roll or pin 227 (Fig. 16) engages a fixedly arranged guide rail 228 (see Figs. 15). This rail 228 ensures that the rods 33 are supported along the lower trajectory of the chain system 129 so that all groups can rest on rods 33 and supported in the vertical direction, as is the case for groups Y, X, W, V of FIG. 6 and 7.

The rail 228 provides the support function 35 shown throughout the course of the horizontal movement, i.e. to the rods are retracted through the gap Δ. The retraction begins when the pin 227 slides down a terminating ramp 229 on the rail 228 while the chain system 129 passes upward, thereby causing the orientation of the rod 36 to become steeper during a clockwise rotation, as seen in FIG. 14 and 15. During this retraction, the cam follower 209 runs against the fixed cam surface 220 to ensure a non-colliding location of the bow forming rods 33 relative to the space between the groups. In FIG. 14, the rod 33f is seen in a position near the point where it passes out of the space Δ between the groups V-U. After leaving the gap Δ, the rods 36 continue to be controlled by the last portion of the cam surface 220 until the cam follower pin 206 15 begins to slide toward the top cam surface 223 to begin changing the orientation and repeating the cycle.

When the envelopes of the groups are completed, these are in turn advanced to the furnace 30, where they are processed for a short time so that shrinkage is completed and the overlapping ends 20 of the wrapping material are bonded together. As mentioned, the passage through the furnace may take place faster than other movements of the groups during the conveyance on the conveying path, but in fig. 6A, there is shown a system maintaining the same speed for the container groups. The transfer of the container groups from the conveyor means of the envelope phase to a conveyor system 230 during the shrinkage and execution phase is accomplished by an overlying system of rods moved by an endless chain system 231. In FIG. 6A, the embodiment end of the wrapping phase can be identified by the shaft 138 which is being passed by the advancing group U. In FIG. 6A, for clarity, the packing material is omitted by the groups, but e.g. the group U is completely shrouded, as described for the same group U with reference to FIG. 7th

The chain system 231 has a horizontal distance between sprockets 141359 37 232-233, which is mounted on shafts 234-235, and the system is driven synchronously by means of a displaced shaft 236 which carries a drive sprocket 237. transversely of the corresponding links in the chain system 231 comprises 5 outwardly extending rods or abutments 238 which, on the horizontal stretch of the chain system, pass down into the space Δ between the groups and engage the rear edges of the containers in each group, thereby ensuring correct feeding during the transfer from the conveyor on which the sheath 10 takes place to the conveyor 230 on which the containers are discharged.

Between the rods 238 leading the containers forward, stabilizing rods 239-239 'are engaged which engage the top surface of the containers in a transverse row, and this transport of the containers comprises the passage across the table or plate 167.

The plate 167 is seen in more detail in FIG. 8, in which groups T and S are shown in dotted lines. In FIG. 6A, groups T and S were advanced along plate 167 by means of the rods 238 and into the area where the chain system 230 comes into operation. However, the chain system 230 may be the only one which serves to support the containers during passage through the furnace 30. However, it is preferred to leave the support of the containers from the parallel system 230 with four chains shown in FIG. 8 - where it is seen that the chains support the outer edges of each container in a transverse row - to a similar system 230 'with three parallel chains, each aligned with the center of the passing containers. The system 230 'is located symmetrically between the system 230 and can be driven by sprockets mounted on the drive shaft 230 "common to both the system 230 and the system 230'. In the groups QPO that have passed the shaft 230", Thus, the containers are supported individually on center supports, which are transversely positioned relative to the system 230, as shown schematically by the dashed lines abc in FIG. 8. It follows that in the region of the furnace 230, the system 230 'with the three chains provides a pre-shared support for each shrouded group with least impediment to the heat flow to the wrapped wrapping material, and in particular the incoming heat flow is most direct. at the protruding end regions of the wrapping material, and in the region of the overlap of the ends where the container bottoms do not directly abut the wrapping material.

Of course, to keep the container support for the groups in the proper plane throughout the systems 230-230 ', guide rails may be provided during every 10 chain stretches, as shown by the dashed lines 240 in FIG. 6A.

Depending on what type of packaging the individual customer prefers, openings for finger access can be automatically provided during the shrinkage phase. Eg. For example, the cardboard plate 42 may be provided with punched holes 241 (FIG.

1) sufficiently large for the fingers to be inserted therethrough into the spaces delimited by the cylindrical containers located close to each other. Of course, the upper and lower ends of these compartments are closed during the wrapping phase. However, it has been found that simply by piercing the plastic wrapping material within the area where the punched holes 241 are located, and then bringing the material into the furnace, the dotted holes become sufficiently large to allow sufficient easy access to allow customers can carry each container group. The operation during which the holes are inserted is shown in FIG. 6A and takes place at a station next to the group R. This station comprises two needles 242 which are aligned transversely and are located on a transverse rotary unit 243. The rotational speed of the unit 243 is adapted to the forward speed of the groups in such a way that a local through-hole is formed in the upper surface 28 of the envelope at the locations shown with heavy puncture 244 in FIG. 9. As mentioned, the holes so cut in the wrapping material will open during passage through the furnace so that they have a suitable size for finger access. In the cases where the groups are shrouded without cardboard sheets 42 inserted, the same hole pricking operation at 242 will give a similar result, 5 which will also allow for convenient handling of a group shrouded alone in the plastic material. The described mounting, feeding and control means described provide great collision protection and therefore continuous and smooth flow throughout all 10 operations. In some cases, for example, when heavier packaging material and even material of the specified dimensions are used, it is possible to dispense with the use of some of the controlling means and yet achieve a commercially viable result. Eg. the pulling means 187-188-190 is not necessary if sufficient control is maintained with respect to the direction, volume and flow of the blower 39. A simplification can also be realized by eliminating the articulated plates 40 holding back the ends of the wrapping material and their actuation mechanisms and by relying primarily on the planar rods, such as the rods 155, thus also eliminating the chain systems 140 with their various support members 170-173-174-175-176. Such a simplified system is shown in FIG. 17, drawn in the same format as in FIG. 7, and how many of the same parts are recognized. In FIG.

7 and the associated Figs. 18 and 19, the same reference numerals have been used for the parts that recur in the figures.

In modifying FIG. 17 to FIG. 18, the same overlying system is used by bow forming rods 33 and the same spacing rods 33 'as previously described. In contrast, the total length has been truncated, appropriate for the alignment of the group support and the construction for manipulating the ends of the wrapping material under the successive groups Z'-Y'-X'-W '(in contrast to the longer system required by the groups ZYXWVU in Fig. 7X The elongated chain system 131 'is truncated correspondingly to run over sprocket wheels 132 ^ 133 ^ which delimits the truncated upper container supporting section 136'. The system 131 'is operated at the same speed as the groups and is supported only. of a cross-chain bar 250 for each group This bar is shown extending transversely below the front row of containers in each group A rigid projection 251 connects each rod 250 to its corresponding special link in the chain system 131 '.

The secondary and remaining chain systems 146 provide via rods 178 an upper supporting distance in the initial region between the sprockets 147-148, and these systems 146 are driven at greater speed than the system 131 'so that each rod 178 can run in front of the adjacent bow forming rod. below the back row of containers in each 15 group. In FIG. 17 e.g. the group is fully supported by the bar 33 and the bar 178 is no longer in contact with the group, but is in the process of swinging downwards behind the adjacent and adjacent bar 250.

The cut-off is shown in the context of group X '. This function is as previously described and therefore does not need to be repeated. The only difference lies in the more elongated shape of the cross-section of the rods 33 and in the more advanced placement of the grooves 38 therein and in the final, further forward displaced placement of the 25 single rod 33 as a result of longer connecting rods 36. cut tab 186 has the shortest possible length on the other side of the location where it is clamped by rod 33 toward the individual container bottom. When the system of FIG. 17 to 19 have completed the cut, it is ready 30 to complete the casing as the group is advanced to the fixed plate 167 'which advances the groups to the conveying system of FIG. 6A. The group W is shown during treatment in the various steps of this operation in FIG. 17, 18 and 19.

141359 41

The reciprocating plate 31 is an important element for obtaining the final wrapping and transfer to the portion of the conveyor where the containers are discharged. The plate 31 is supported by suitable guide means (not shown) which hold the top surface of the plate in the supporting plane of the passing groups and which guide the plate in such a way that it makes a longitudinal reciprocating movement between a fully advanced position towards the plate. 167 '(Figs. 17 and 18) and a fully retracted position (Fig. 19).

The reciprocating cycle of the plate 38 is fitted between the successive support bars 250. A suitable synchronization is shown in FIG. 17 merely shown schematically by rotating means 252 controlling the continuous movement of the chain system 131 ', and drive means such as crankshaft or eccentric, thereby transferring the shown rotary movement to a longitudinal reciprocating movement of plate 31 in the shown intermediate phases for the passage of the bars 250.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, plate 31 is fully projected 20 to the right to allow rod 250 to pass while pivoting downward around sprocket 133 *. The group W is supported by the rod 33 and has just begun to receive the support from the plate 31 below the leading edge, with the result that the movement of the group W "at this point has caused the 25 hanging tab 180 to begin to be retracted under the front portion of the the container bottoms in the front container row.

At the time when the group W reaches the one in FIG. 18, the front edge of the group has begun to receive support from the fixed plate 167 ', and a larger portion of tab 180 of the wrapping material has here been passed below the bottom of the group to form what will eventually become end 24 of the wrapping material. The plate 31 is still furthest ahead, i.e. furthest towards 35 right, and a fully drawn arrow pointing left 141359 42

Shows that the movement of the plate towards the left is just about to begin, having been released by the rod 250. At the same time, the rod 250 provides transient control of the unfolded remaining portion of the end 24 of the wrapping material. It is at this moment that the blower performs its function to complete the laying of the rear end 25, which is fully drawn in FIG. 18, the rear end 25 moving from the hanging position shown punctured by the reference numeral 186 in FIG. 18. The blower means may be mounted separately as described in connection with FIG. 7, but in the embodiment of FIG. 17 and 18, it operates in connection with the fixed shaft 138 'having a special design and on which the sprockets 133' are mounted so that they can rotate, other sprockets not shown in FIG. 17, the chain-15 system operates 131 '.

The shaft 138 'is hollow and provided with bores 254 a certain number of locations along the underside of the tensioned wrapping material on the passing groups. From an air supply source not shown, air is conducted to the interior of the shaft 138 '. The apertures 254 are shown in a "1 o'clock" position with respect to the axis of rotation of the shaft 138 ', whereby the air jet receives both upward and forward components, which is indicated by the dotted line arrow 255 in FIG. 18. The air supply may be continuous, but it is preferable to regulate or modulate the blown air 255 by means (not shown) which act synchronously at any time corresponding to that of FIG. 18, so that the strongest blow-out of air occurs essentially only when it is required to lift the rear end 25, i.e. when the hanging tab 186 passes the blow-out vector 255. Since the tab 186 is small and has an insignificant mass, and since the bar 250 temporarily holds the other end 24 of the wrapping material aside, the rear end 25 is in effect momentarily raised to the horizontal position so that it is there at the time when the plate 31 guides the front end 24 across the rear end.

Claims (9)

141359 end. FIG. 19 shows the end of the overlap by the plate 31 at the time the plate 31 begins to return to the plate's longest advanced position. The immediately subsequent continuous progressive movement 5 of the group w 'does not cause any deterioration of the final envelope which is maintained until the bonding and shrinkage in the furnace 30. During the movement of the plate 31 from its in FIG. 18 to its position in FIG. 19 and further as a result of the continuous movement forward of the group W ', the plate 31 has been able to maintain the predominantly supporting function towards the group W'. This would have happened before the time corresponding to that of FIG. 19, and therefore the rod 33 is no longer needed for support in this state. FIG. 19 shows the rod 33 pulled downward to safely disengage from plate 31 without losing the container support. Such retraction of the rod 33 may be determined by an appropriate configuration of the end of the rail 228 analogous to that of FIG. 15 disclosed design at 229. Patent claims. A method of packaging groups of articles in which the groups are advanced along a spaced-apart transport path and a web (16) of a flexible wrapping material is held at the front end against a front group and then during the formation of a first bend ( 179) is pulled down through the gap between this front group and the next group and so far out on the other side that the bend extends at least half a group-30 length from this gap, after which the bend is cut to form two identical but separate side walls. to the vertical rear side of the front group and the vertical side of the second group, respectively, whereby the front half of the bowing will constitute the rear end (25) of the packing material for the front group, while the rear half of the bowing will constituting the front end of the wrapping material for the subsequent group, and by which method the front end and the rear end of the packing material for the front group is then folded into the group and joined, characterized in that the web (16) of the packing material is passed along the upper side of several continuously advanced groups (T, U, V, W, X, Y) in the direction of their feed and that each bend (179) before the cutting is pulled forward along the underside of the present group. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the free end of the rear end of the wrapping material (25) and 15 resulting from the cutting of the bend (179) is pressed against the bottom of the group concerned by means of a stream of compressed air. A machine for carrying out the method according to claim 1, comprising a conveyor for carrying and transporting the groups of articles (A, B, C ... -M), a bow forming member for the packaging material (33, 34, 35). , cutting means (37) for the wrapping material as well as pressing elements for pressing the wrapping material pieces against the groups within the area in which the wrapping material pieces are arranged around the groups, characterized in that the conveyor is arranged to move the groups (A, B, C). .... M) continuously advancing through the envelope region at the same spacing, that the bow forming member (33,34,35) is arranged to pull the web bend (180) 30 forward in the transport direction below the preceding group, and the cutting means (37) being arranged to cut the bending (180) in the forward position in which the bending forming means (33, 34, 35) acts as a pressing element. 141359 Machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the bow-forming member (33, 34, 35) is in the form of a transverse rod, which is connected to one to maintain the distance or space between the following groups (A , B, C .... M) serving spacer (331.34 ', 351). Machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the bow-forming member (33, 34, 35) is so connected to the spacer (33 ', 34', 35 ') via connecting arms (36) that it forms a rigid pivot unit rotatably mounted about pivot pins (202) extending in the axis of the associated spacer (33 ', 34', 35 ') and the connecting arms (36) having cam follower means (208, 209) which act as cam followers serves to rotate the 15 oscillation unit. Machine according to claim 5, characterized in that the pivot pins (202) are secured to a plate (201) which is connected to an endless chain system (129) and which has protruding rollers (205, 206, 207) which act as cam followers. Machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the bow-forming member (33, 34, 35) is provided with a groove (38) extending longitudinally of the member and facing downwards in the forward position, seen in the transverse position. 25 portrait. Machine according to Claim 7, characterized in that the cutting means (37) are a rotatable body with radial arms (183), which carry cutter bars (182) transverse to the end of the transport direction. Machine according to claim 8, characterized in that the cutting means (37) further comprise a push rod (185) adjacent to the arms of each cutting rod 0-83).