DK178673B1 - Plant and method for forming capsule patterns when packing capsules in a package - Google Patents

Abstract

A plant for forming capsule patterns (7) is described by packaging in a package. The capsules (11) contain a plurality of cakes (10) and the packages contain one or more layers of capsules. The system comprises an inlet belt (1) to which several parallel capsule rows (2) are fed. An exit belt (6) on which arranged capsule patterns are released (7). A capsule stop (4,5) disposed between the inlet belt and the outlet belt, comprising a stop stop (12,19) for each row of capsules. The system is flexible and easily adjustable. The capsule stop comprises a first capsule stop (4) and a second capsule stop (5) which are individually activatable. In front of the first capsule stop, as seen in the flow direction (15) of the capsules, a suction bar (3) is mounted between the inlet and outlet belt (1.6) with an upper side which is essentially in a plane which is a a common plane (18) with a plane for the upper side of the inlet and outlet belts. The suction bar (3) is arranged to hold the second capsule (11) or a subsequent capsule in a row of capsules (2) held by the first capsule stop (4), establishing a negative pressure acting on the underside of the capsules.

Description

Plant and method for forming capsule patterns when packing capsules in a package

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for forming capsule patterns in the packaging of capsules in a package, preferably a can, wherein the capsules contain a plurality of cakes, typically so-called butter cookies, and wherein the packages contain one or more layers of capsules, comprising: inlet ribbons to which several parallel capsule rows are supplied from a cookie line where each capsule has been filled with a plurality of cakes; the inlet belt and the outlet belt, and comprising a stop stop for each row of capsules, which capsule stop is used to form desired capsule patterns on the exit belt by activating the stop stops.

The invention further relates to a method for forming capsule patterns by packaging capsules in a package, preferably a can, wherein the capsules contain a number of cakes, typically so-called butter cookies, and wherein the packages are provided with one or more layers of capsules, comprising: of several parallel capsule rows from a cookie line, each capsule being filled with a number of cakes, - a dispensing of arranged capsule patterns and placement in the packaging, - a formation of capsule patterns performed in a step between the delivery and the dispensing, establishing individual stops and releases by activating stop stops for each capsule row to form desired capsule patterns which are then dispensed or placed in the packaging.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Systems and methods of the type known initially are known. In the known cookie lines, the cookies are placed in capsules to facilitate subsequent handling in a package used for sale and storage.

After the cakes are placed in capsules, a series of parallel capsule rows are fed from the cookie line to the plant, which is used to form the capsule patterns and packaging.

The parallel capsule rows are fed on a common conveyor belt or individual conveyor belt on which the capsules are located. Also, typically, side walls will be positioned between the rows to ensure that the cookie rows are properly aligned. When the capsule rows from the inlet belt are inserted into a capsule stop, a capsule pattern is formed herein which is desirable for a package.

This may be packaging where there must be five, ten, fifteen or a different number of capsules in each layer of the packaging. Depending on the shape of the packaging, different patterns must be formed. The packaging may be circular or of other shapes. This makes demands on the capsule pattern which is formed and fed on the discharge belt used to transfer the capsule patterns to the package unit.

The capsule stops include stop stops for each row of capsules. By positioning the stop stops correctly, a capsule pattern is formed on the discharge belt. A typical capsule stop will have a number of stops corresponding to the row number. These stops are offset to each other in parallel capsule rows. Hereby, for each stop stop, capsules can be retained on the discharge discharge belt until the capsule stop is activated to a release position. This is typically done by stopping the stop stops in the restraint situation at a short distance above the exit belt and in the release position so that the capsules can pass under the stop stops. In the known systems, there is a requirement that the cakes be fed from a cookie line in the number to be organized in the capsule stop. So that there is a need for a system where the capsules are placed in the correct number and filled with the desired number of capsules before they are released and fed to the capsule stop where the capsule patterns are formed.

This necessitates capsules being fed batchwise with a relatively large distance between subsequent batches introduced into the capsule stop. This results in a reduction in the capacity of the known systems compared to a system where the canister rows can be advanced continuously.

Furthermore, by continuous feeding of capsules, an advantage of a buffer storage on the inlet belt is obtained. In the known systems, the capsule stopper will typically be a mechanical structure with stop stops located from the packaging to be filled. Thus, when switching between packages, a change or even replacement of the capsule stop is needed to establish a new capsule stop which forms the desired capsule pattern.

Such a conversion can be slow and thus reduce the capacity of the plant.

It has been a wish for many years to be able to improve the utilization rate and to establish an easy and faster system for switching between different cake patterns.

The object of the invention

It is the object of the present invention to provide a plant and method in which the disadvantages of the prior art systems are remedied and which enable a more flexible formation of capsule patterns.

Description of the Invention

This is achieved in accordance with the present invention with a device of the type mentioned initially, characterized in that the capsule stop comprises a first capsule stop disposed closest to the inlet belt and a second capsule stop, which first and second capsule stops are individually activatable prior to the first capsule stop. , as seen in the flow direction of the capsules, is mounted a suction bar which is arranged between the inlet and outlet belt with an upper side which is essentially in a plane which is a common plane with a plane for the inlet and outlet belts on which the capsules are and that the suction bar is arranged to hold the second capsule or a subsequent capsule in a row of capsules which is held back by the first capsule stop establishment, establishing a negative pressure acting on the underside of the capsules.

The method of the invention is characterized in that the capsules are stopped and released by mechanical stop stops placed over an outlet belt at the transition between an inlet belt for delivery and the outlet belt for discharge, activating a first and a second capsule stop individually and the capsules disposed as number two or thereafter in a row of capsules which are retained by the capsule stop at the inlet belt are held and released pneumatically by a negative pressure acting on the underside of the capsules.

The use of two capsule stops allows a largely continuous capsule row to be fed to the capsule stop. Thus, the first capsule stop will retain the row of capsules which are coherent and which are pressed forward against stop stops in the first capsule stop due to the inlet belt advance in the flow direction of the capsules.

By placing a suction bar in front of the first capsule stop, it is possible to retain the capsules located on top of the suction bar by applying a vacuum in the suction bar. Thus, it is possible to retain one or more capsules located above the suction bar.

The suction bar has an upper surface which is provided with a hole and is arranged in a common plane with the plane of the upper side of the inlet and outlet belt. Thus, the capsules, when feeding the inlet belt, will be displaced onto the upper side of the suction bar. By activating the vacuum, the caps that rest on the suction bar are retained. By deactivating the vacuum, the capsules located on the suction bar are released.

It is possible to place the suction bar at greater or lesser distance from the stop stop on the first capsule stop. Thus, one, two or more capsules may be located between the suction bar and the capsule stop. A capsule is preferred. By adjusting the distance, the capsule pattern desired in a single situation can be adjusted.

A capsule retention is necessary. An activation by raising and lowering stop stops has such inertia that it is difficult to bring the stop stop down between two subsequent capsules in a row of capsules if these are pressed against each other due to the force of the inlet belt feeding the capsule row.

By holding down the capsules with a suction from below, upon release of the capsules located between the stop stop of the first capsule stop and the suction bar, a distance to the first capsule of the capsule row located on the suction band will be established. Hereby, the stop stop can be brought into its outer position to stop the subsequent capsule when the suction bar is deactivated and permits a feeding of the capsules to abut the stop stop in the first capsule stop. In this way, it is thus possible to advance the desired number of capsules from the first capsule stop to the second capsule stop. Thus, at the second capsule stop, an optional number of capsules may be placed in abutment against the stop stops. Likewise, the lateral placement of the stop stops in the second capsule stop may be offset so that they do not need to be aligned across the flow direction of the capsules. Hereby, the capsules can be advanced with different mutual positions on the discharge belt when the second capsule stop is activated to release the capsules which are in contact with the stop stops. However, it is preferred to use individually activatable stop stops in the other capsule stops. When capsules are released from the second capsule stop, the desired number of capsules may already be provided at the first capsule stop, that the subsequent capsules are already ready to be fed to the second capsule stop immediately upon release of a batch from the second capsule stop.

Thus, with a system according to the invention, it is possible to feed capsules in continuous rows which are fed and which are retained by the interaction between the first capsule stop and the suction bar before being released and batch fed to the second capsule stop, where a desired capsule pattern is formed for delivery to the packaging unit.

By activating inlet and outlet belts as well as suction bar with actuating means which can be individually activated, a transition can be easily made between different cake patterns, where the actuating means are controlled by a central control unit. In such a central controller, various desired cake patterns can be pre-programmed, whereby switching between different cake patterns to different types of packaging can be done very easily and quickly.

According to a further embodiment, the system according to the invention is characterized in that the first and second capsule stops comprise stop stops which are displaceable perpendicular to the common plane between a first outer position adjacent to the common plane such that an adjacent capsule and thus an underlying capsule row are stopped and a second outer position at a distance above the common plane so that capsules can pass by during the stop.

Although it is possible to establish stop stops on capsule stops for various movements, for example in the lateral direction, it is preferred that the stop stops be displaceable perpendicular to the common plane and thus also perpendicular to the flow direction of the capsules. In practice, this will mean that the stop stops are slidable in a vertical plane. This allows for a particularly simple arrangement of the stop stops, as these can be operated by pneumatic or electrical actuators, which allow the capsule stop to be moved between two outer positions.

The capsule stopper will typically be an angled plate disposed on the actuator in the form of a cylinder. In one extreme position, the capsule stop will be positioned at a height above the joint plane that the capsules engage the stop stop. In the second outer position, the stop abutment will be raised above the joint plane at such a height that the capsules and the cookies placed therein can freely place under the abutment stop.

According to a further embodiment, the system according to the invention is characterized in that, as seen in the flow direction of the capsules, the system is provided with partitions between parallel capsule rows in a position in front of the second capsule stop. When the capsules are fed from a cookie line, they may be positioned freely on the upper side of the inlet belt with an unordered placement. However, it is important that the capsules form a row before the first capsule stop. By providing partitions in a position above the inlet belt, it becomes possible to ensure the formation of parallel capsule rows in a position next to each stop stop. The partitions may be provided in various ways, for example in the form of plates. If the inlet belt is a continuous belt, the side walls may be mounted in a frame over the inlet belt. If the inlet belt is divided into a number of juxtaposed individual bands, it is possible to place the sidewalls in an apparatus frame which is located below the juxtaposed inlet bands.

According to a further embodiment, the system according to the invention is characterized in that the stop stops in the first capsule stop are arranged with a common actuating means for simultaneously activating all stop stops so that all capsules seen in the flow direction of the capsules are behind the suction beam simultaneously passing the stop stops. In the first capsule stop, it is preferred that there is a common actuator or actuator which simultaneously activates all stop stops. This can be done, for example, by placing all stop stops on a common frame. By activating all stop stops to an outer position where the capsules are released, all capsules located between the stop stop and the suction bar can simultaneously pass the first capsule stop.

Alternatively, it is possible that in the first capsule stop individual activatable actuators are used. Thus, an activating means will be provided for each stop stop in the first capsule stop. In this way, it will be possible to feed portions from each row that are different in the juxtaposed rows.

Packaging will typically contain standard portions comprising a number of capsules which are divisible by five. Therefore, it is often preferred that the first capsule stop has a common actuator. Other numbers are also possible. Therefore, the flexibility of the system according to the invention is advantageous for quick conversion.

According to a further embodiment, the system according to the invention is characterized in that the stop stops in the second capsule stop are arranged with individual actuators for an individual activation of the stop stops so that the capsules form the desired capsule pattern.

The stop stops in the second capsule stop will typically be made with stop stops that have individual actuating means so that the capsules can be released from a row independently of the release of the capsules in parallel rows. Thus, greater freedom is obtained in forming the capsule pattern on the discharge belt. However, in the second capsule stop, it will also be possible to use stop stops associated with a common actuator so that all stop stops are activated simultaneously. However, this will generally require that the stop stops in the parallel rows are spaced relative to each other, so that the simultaneous activation causes some cookie rows to be in an advanced position on the exit belt relative to juxtaposed cookie rows.

According to a further embodiment, the system according to the invention is characterized in that at least the stop stops on the first capsule stop are mounted displaceable in a direction parallel to the flow direction of the capsules.

By displacing the capsule stops in a direction parallel to the flow direction, the distance between the stop stop and the suction bar placed in front can be varied. This makes it easy to adapt the system to size capsules.

According to a further embodiment, the system according to the invention is characterized in that, in one position after the second capsule stop, as seen in the flow direction of the capsules, the system is provided with adjustable lateral displacement guide rails for at least part of the capsules to provide the desired capsule patterns.

The capsule patterns are formed by activating the stop stops in the second capsule stop.

In order to ensure a more compact capsule pattern than is possible by feeding in the parallel rows, guide rails have been established which can be adjusted to provide the capsules emerging from the second capsule stop in a lateral displacement. This makes it possible to form more compact cake patterns with the desired shape for the subsequent packaging.

According to a further embodiment, the system according to the invention is characterized in that the suction beam is arranged at its upper side with a hollow pattern which forms suction openings which can be individually blinded.

Since the suction bar has a hollow pattern which can be individually dimmed, it is possible to provide a larger or less active surface which is adapted to the size of the capsules being handled by dimming a number of suction openings in the transverse direction. It is also possible to do an individual dimming row by row. This makes it possible to use the suction bar to hold capsules in certain rows, while other of the parallel capsule rows are released by deactivating the suction pressure.

Thus, it is possible that the suction bar may be manufactured as a single chamber, the apertures being individually dimmed. This can be done, for example, by displacing the cover plates, whereby the suction openings are aligned with openings in the cover plates or blinded by intermediate plate pieces. Alternatively, the suction bar may be divided into a series of juxtaposed chambers where the vacuum can be individually adjusted.

With such a suction bar it becomes possible to vary the number of capsules which are brought into contact with the stop stops in the first capsule stop.

According to a further embodiment, the system according to the invention is characterized in that actuating means for the first and second capsule stops as well as the suction beam are connected to a central control unit.

The system according to the invention will advantageously be provided with actuating means for each of the stop stops in the first and second capsule stops and actuating means for the suction beam, which actuating means are connected to a central control unit. As mentioned earlier, in such a central control unit, different desired cake patterns may be pre-programmed, so that switching between different cake patterns and packages can be done very quickly.

The actuators used may be primarily electric or pneumatic cylinders used to displace stop stops. Likewise, the suction bar actuators will be provided in the form of electrically controlled switch valves which either connect or disconnect a source of negative pressure generation. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a plant according to the invention,

FIG. 2-8 shows pictures of various details and operating situations of the system in fig. 1 to illustrate the method according to the invention; and FIG. 9 shows an enlarged partial view of an embodiment of a suction beam in a plant according to the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

FIG. 1 shows a plant for use in the formation of capsule patterns. The system comprises an inlet belt 1 on which several parallel capsule rows 2 are arranged. A suction bar 3 is arranged between the inlet belt 1 and a subsequent outlet belt 6, on which the capsule patterns 7 formed are arranged. A first capsule stop 4 above the exit belt 6 is disposed closest to the inlet belt 1, and a second capsule stop 5 is placed above the exit belt 6 downstream of the first capsule stop 4. The two capsule stops 4,5 are individually actuable.

In order to ensure correct feeding in capsule rows, partitions 8 are provided between juxtaposed canister rows 2. The system comprises a suction unit 9 for establishing vacuum in the suction bar 3.

To the left of the illustrated plant will be a packaging plant known per se, where the patterns formed are transferred into packaging.

To the right of the illustrated plant is a cake line known per se, where cakes 10 are placed in capsules 11.

FIG. 2 shows a picture with details of the FIG. 1. Thus, the first capsule stop 4 comprises a series of parallel stop stops 12. The stop stops are located on pneumatic cylinders 13. The capsule rows are advanced in rows 2 on the inlet belt 1 and transferred via the suction bar 3 to the outlet belt 6.

It will be seen that the suction bar 3 is located at a distance from the stop stops 12 so that a first cookie row 14 is in a position between the stop stops 12 and the suction bar 3. Thus, in this embodiment, the second capsule will be held in a row of capsules 2. .

The capsule rows are advanced in a flow direction 15, i.e. from right to left, as shown in FIG. 2. It is seen that the stop stops 12 are mounted via elongate openings 16 in a frame 17. Hereby the stop stops 12 can be displaceable in the flow direction 15 to adjust the distance depending on the size of the capsules handled in the plant.

By activating and deactivating the pneumatic cylinder 13, the stop stop 12 is raised and lowered perpendicular to a common plane 18 (see Fig. 1), which is made up of the upper side of the inlet belt 1, the outlet belt 6 and the upper side of the suction bar 3. At the position shown, the capsules are retained. the stop stop being in a first outer position adjacent to the common plane. In FIG. 3 illustrates a situation where the stop stops 12 are raised to a position above the capsules so that the first capsules in the lateral rows are advanced by the feed force from the discharge belt 6. The next capsule in each lateral row is held by the suction bar.

FIG. 4 shows how the capsule stops 12 are again brought to the first outer position adjacent to the common plane 18, so that a safe stop of the first capsule is made in the row, which is now released by deactivating the suction bar 3. In FIG. 4, it is seen how the preceding capsules are advanced towards the second capsule stop 5. The second capsule stop 5 also has stop stops 19. Stop stops 19 are mounted on pneumatic cylinders 20 which are individually actuable. FIG. 4 shows how the stop stops 19 are located in the outer position adjacent to the common plane.

FIG. 5 shows a subsequent step in which the first capsules are now in contact with the stop stop 19 in the second stop stop 5. In fig. 5, the subsequent capsule is retained in the series.

FIG. 6 shows a situation where the subsequent capsule in the row is released, so that there are now two capsules in each row which abut the stop stops 19 in the second capsule stop 5. In the figures, a bracket 21 is mounted on which a series of sensors 22. These sensors 22 are used to determine that stacks are provided in the stack row 2 under each of the sensors 22. In FIG. Figure 7 shows a detailed view of a subsequent situation where the stop stops 19 in the second capsule stop 5 are activated towards the outer position furthest from the common plane 18, so that the capsules can be advanced while other (the middle three) stop stops 19 are in the outer position where the capsules are retained. FIG. 7 shows a position immediately before the last three stop stops are taken to the outer position, which releases the capsules.

FIG. 8 shows a situation immediately after the second capsule stop 5, where the capsule pattern 7 is now formed. It will be seen here that the two outer capsule stops are released at different times relative to the central capsule stop, so that a capsule pattern is formed with four capsules in two outer rows and two capsules in an intermediate position. In FIG. 8 further shows guide rails 23 which are placed in a position after the second capsule stop, as seen in the flow direction. Guide rails are used to displace the capsules in the lateral direction to form the desired capsule pattern 7. Guide rails 23 are mounted in brackets 24 provided with elongate openings 25 so that a lateral displacement of the guide rails is possible. In the illustrated situation, the guide rails 23 are mounted and secured by means of a nut in a connecting pipe 27. Alternatively, it is possible that the guide rails 23 may be connected to the brackets 24 with actuators, so that lateral displacement of the guide rails can be effected by activating such cylinders which may be electrically or pneumatically driven.

According to FIG. 8, the resulting capsule patterns 7 will be fed to a packaging unit (not shown). In FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of an embodiment of a suction beam 3 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the suction bar is connected to a supply line 28 which leads to the suction unit 9 for establishing a common vacuum supply to the suction bar 3.

At its upper side, the suction bar 3 is provided with suction openings 29. The suction bar 3 is divided into a series of parallel chambers (not shown) which are located under each of the parallel capsule rows 2. Each chamber is connected to cylinders 30 which can individually open and close for vacuum to each chamber, thus securing a capsule 11 located on top of the suction bar next to the chamber.

As can be seen from the figure, the width of the upper side of the suction bar is adapted to the diameter of a capsule 11. The upper side may be provided in the form of a replaceable plate adapted to the diameter of the capsules being handled. Alternatively, the suction openings 29 may be arranged for individual glare, e.g. by displacement of glare plates or alternatively by plugging.

FIG. 9 further shows that there is a curved shape 31, 32 in which the inlet belt and the outlet belt respectively run about reversing rollers (not shown) in a position adjacent the suction bar 3. To obtain, as far as possible, a common plane 18 with a flat upper side and avoid the capsules cylindrical rods 33 are provided on each side of the suction bar, the upper side of which is at the common plane 18.

Claims (10)

An apparatus for forming capsule patterns (7) by packaging capsules (11) in a package, preferably a can, wherein the capsules contain a plurality of cookies (10), typically so-called butter cookies, and wherein the packages contain one or more layers of capsules, said system comprising: - an inlet belt (1) to which several parallel capsule rows (2) are supplied from a cake line, each capsule having been filled with a number of cakes, - an outlet belt (6) on which arranged capsule patterns are delivered to a package unit which places the capsule patterns in the package, a capsule stop (4,5) disposed over the exit belt (6) at the transition between the inlet belt and the exit belt and comprising a stop stop (12,19) for each row of capsules, which capsule stop (4,5) is used to forming desired capsule patterns on the exit belt by activating the stop stops, characterized in that the capsule stop comprises a first capsule stop (4) disposed closest to the inlet belt and a second capsule stop (5), which a first and second capsule stops are individually actuable, in front of the first capsule stop (4), as seen in flow direction (15) for the capsules, a suction bar (3) is arranged between the inlet and outlet belt with an upper side which is substantially in a plane which is a common plane (18) with a plane for the upper side of the inlet and outlet belts on which the capsules (11) are arranged, and that the suction beam (3) is arranged to hold the second capsule (11) or a subsequent capsule in a row of capsules (2) which is retained by the first capsule stop establishment, establishing a negative pressure acting on the underside of the capsules. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second capsule stops (4,5) comprise stop stops (12, 19) which are displaceable perpendicular to the common plane (18) between a first outer position adjacent the common plane so that an adjacent capsule and thus an underlying capsule row is stopped and a second outer position at a distance above the common plane (18) so that capsules (11) can pass under the stop stop (12, 19). System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, as seen in the direction of flow (15) of the capsules, the system is in a position in front of the second capsule stop (5) provided with partitions (8) between parallel capsule rows (2). System according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the stop stops (12) in the first capsule stop (4) are arranged with a common actuating means for simultaneously activating all stop stops (12) so that all capsules seen in the flow direction for the capsules located behind the suction bar (3) can simultaneously pass the stop stops. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stop stops (19) in the second capsule stop (5) are arranged with individual actuators for an individual activation of the stop stops so that the capsules form the desired capsule pattern (7). System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the stop stops (12) on the first capsule stop (4) are mounted displaceable in a direction parallel to the flow direction (15) of the capsules. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system in one position after the second capsule stop, as seen in the flow direction (15) of the capsules, is provided with adjustable guide rails (23) for lateral displacement at least by a portion of the capsules to provide the desired capsule patterns (7). Installation according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction beam (3) is arranged at its upper side with a hollow pattern which forms suction openings (29) which can be individually dimmed. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that actuating means for the first and second capsule stops (4,5) and the suction beam (3) are connected to a central control unit. A method of forming capsule patterns (7) by packaging capsules (11) in a package, preferably a can, wherein the capsules contain a plurality of cookies (10), typically so-called butter cookies, and wherein the packages are provided with one or more layers of capsules, which method comprises: - applying a plurality of parallel capsule rows (2) from a cake line, each capsule (11) having been filled with a plurality of cakes (10), - introducing arranged capsule patterns (7) and placing in the packaging, - forming capsule patterns (7) performed in a step between feeding and dispensing, establishing individual stops and releases by activating stop stops (12, 19) for each capsule row to form desired capsule patterns which are then dispensed and placed in the package , characterized in that the capsules are stopped and released by mechanical stop stops (12, 19) arranged over an outlet belt (6) at the transition between an inlet belt (1) for supply and the discharge belt ( 6) for dispensing, wherein a first and a second capsule stop (4,5) are actuated individually and the capsules (11) arranged second or subsequent in a capsule row (2) held by the capsule stop (4) at the inlet belt is held and released pneumatically by a negative pressure acting on the underside of the capsules.