EP0276619B1 - Method and device for producing and placing a spacer sheet between juxtaposed objects to be packed; method for packaging juxtaposed objects with a spacer sheet - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for the production and installation of a separation divider of the thin partition type interposed between the objects of a group of juxtaposed objects to be packaged as well as a packaging process. using such a spacer.

The invention applies more particularly to the case where the objects are bottles or the like.

Numerous embodiments of dividers are already known (documents FR 2,465,653, 2,475,002, 2,499,948, 2,501,160, 2,503,034, 2,523,548, 2,447,866, 2,421,116, 2,360,473, 2,389,546, 2,431,959, 2,481,243, 2,541,235). Most often these cardboard dividers consist of several planar elements associated with each other, which has the disadvantages of requiring a large amount of cardboard, complex operations of bonding, cutting, association, folding, to be ultimately unsightly.

There is also known (document FR 2,310,270) a method and a device for producing and installing an interlayer for the packaging of the bottle, in which a strip of material - intended to form the interlayer - is conducted in meanders, in a doubly wavy line until presenting the finally desired contour. The strip thus shaped is then threaded onto the bottles to be packaged. However, this method and this device have the disadvantages that the deformation of the strip, gradually, in its longitudinal direction, during its advancement, is complex.

The preambles of claims 1 and 8 are based on this state of the art.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a method and a device for the production of an interlayer which simultaneously uses the minimum of constituent material, is of a particularly simple production and installation; be reliable.

To this end, the invention first proposes a method for producing and installing a separation interlayer according to claim 1.

The invention then relates to a method of packaging a group of juxtaposed objects with separation tab according to claim 7.

The invention also relates to a device for producing and installing a separation interlayer according to claim 8.

• . Les figures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, et 1E sont cinq vues schématiques de dessus illustrant des étapes successives d'une mise en oeuvre du procédé de réalisation d'un intercalaire selon l'invention,
• . Les figures 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D et 2E sont cinq vues schématiques en perspective illustrant une autre mise en oeuvre du procédé,
• . La figure 3 est une vue en élévation d'un dispositif pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé selon les figures 2A à 2E,
• . La figure 4 est une vue partielle à plus grande échelle de la figure 3 montrant les moyens de déplacement longitudinal du dispositif,
• . La figure 5 est une vue partielle à plus grande échelle de la figure 3 montrant les moyens de déplacement en rotation du dispositif,
• . Les figures 6 et 7 sont deux vues schématiques respectivement en élévation et de dessus de mors de saisie des objets centraux du dispositif.

The invention will be better understood with the aid of the appended drawings in which:

• . FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E are five schematic views from above illustrating successive stages of an implementation of the method for producing a spacer according to the invention,
• . FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E are five schematic perspective views illustrating another implementation of the method,
• . FIG. 3 is an elevation view of a device for implementing the method according to FIGS. 2A to 2E,
• . FIG. 4 is a partial view on a larger scale of FIG. 3 showing the means of longitudinal displacement of the device,
• . FIG. 5 is a partial view on a larger scale of FIG. 3 showing the means for moving the device in rotation,
• . Figures 6 and 7 are two schematic views respectively in elevation and from above of jaws for gripping the central objects of the device.

The invention relates to a method for producing and installing a separation partition 1 of the thin partition type interposed in the space 2 just existing between similar objects 3 of a group 4 of juxtaposed objects to be packaged. .

Objects 3 are massive, rigid, rather slender bottles or the like, extending in height, of regular pseudocylindrical shape, capable of remaining immobile in stable equilibrium. on their lower base 5 comprising an upper neck or plug 6 which can be gripped.

To form the interlayer 1, one starts first with a section 7 of strip which is essentially deformable longitudinally. Then it is gradually deformed until it has a surface shape adjusted parallel to a transverse direction T and from a reference curve 8, the strip section thus shaped then forming the interlayer 1 interposed between the objects 3. To this end, the section 7 is kept at least substantially stationary, as a whole, and its longitudinal deformation is then carried out, until it is brought gradually to the shape of the surface adjusted relative to the curve. 8. By maintaining at least substantially stationary the section 7, during its longitudinal deformation, means that the section 7 does not need to be moved, as a whole, longitudinally and / or transversely in order to achieve deformation (unlike, for example, document FR 2,310,270 where such longitudinal displacement is essential to carry out the deformation).

The objects 3 rest on support means 9 which are of generally planar shape and placed horizontally, the objects 3 extending along axes 10 directed vertically; the transverse direction T is then vertical.

The objects 3 are grouped in their final configuration the space 2 originally existing between them to allow the installation of the interlayer 1.

A typical configuration of objects 3 is that comprising six objects 3 distributed in two lines and three rows. However, the invention also applies to other configurations, in particular that with three lines and four rows, ie twelve objects 3.

A strip section 7 is a part which, flat, has a generally rectangular shape limited in particular by two small transverse edges 11 placed vertically and two large longitudinal edges 12 located. in horizontal planes, when insert 1 is in place is vertically.

A longitudinal deformation of the strip section 7 is such that the two longitudinal edges 12 are similarly deformed, as is any intermediate line between the two longitudinal edges 12; and that the two transverse edges 11 are not substantially deformed, as is any intermediate line between the two transverse edges 11. The strip section 7 then forms a sheet with one or more more or less pronounced undulations. The strip section 7 can be deformed continuously over its entire length by the fact that, on the one hand, the deformation can occur over any more or less longitudinally extended transverse zone situated between the two transverse edges 11 and that, on the other apart, the deformation is progressive and "elastic", that is to say, the radius of curvature of the strip section 7 varies continuously. The strip section 7 can be bent more or less strongly over a transverse section of a certain length (rather than being folded along a localized line).

The adjusted surface formed by the section 7 of the strip is defined by a segment of transverse direction T, vertical and parallel to the transverse edges 11, displaced along the reference curve 8. The reference curve 8 constitutes, at least approximately, that of a longitudinal cross section of the interlayer 1 (corresponding to the longitudinal edges 12) once placed on the objects 3. For this purpose, the reference curve 8 has a more or less complex shape determined by the configuration of the group 4 of objects, so as to be interposed between the axial projections of the objects, on the support means 7.

For example in the particular case of a configuration with two lines and three rows of objects 3, as shown, the reference curve 8 begins and ends between the two lines of the configuration. Curve 8 initially forms approximately a quarter turn in a positive direction around the object 3 located in the first line and first row; then after an inflection point, form approximately three quarter turns in a negative direction around the object 3 located in the first line and second row then after an inflection point, form approximately three quarter turns in a positive direction around the object 3 located in second line and second row; then after an inflection point, form a quarter turn in a negative direction around the object 3 located in the second line and third row. If we designate the object of the ith line and jth row by Li Rj, the curve 8 above is defined by the sequence of references L1R1, L1R2, L12R2, L2R3. We call positive direction, clockwise and negative direction, opposite direction. In the case of a configuration with three lines and four rows of objects 3, the curve 8 can be defined by the sequence L1R1, L2R1, L3R1, L3R2, L2R2, L2R1, L1R3, L2R3, L3R3, L3R4, L2R4, L1R4 . In the various configurations, the curve 8 forms, as the case may be, at least one part and generally a plurality of part of the tower comprised between about a quarter of a turn and about three quarter of a turn.

According to a first variant (not shown), the section 7 of the strip is first conformed around templates, then simultaneously, the conforming section 7 is separated from the templates and inserted with the same conformation between the objects 3 of group 4 at least. substantially in their final relative position. The objects 3 and the templates are placed, once the section 7 of strip conformed, in the same configuration and facing each other, in the transverse (vertical) direction, and a relative sliding of the section 7 of strip conformed , in transverse directions, templates to group 4 of objects.

According to a second preferred and shown alternative variant, the strip section 7 is conformed directly by and between the objects 3 and not by means of templates and, to this end, the strip section 7 is first placed at least substantially at flat between the objects 3 in an initial spread position where they are spread transversely horizontally and longitudinally of each other while resting on the support means 9 to horizontally widen the space 2 (to allow this positioning) then, the objects 3 are relatively displaced until they are brought into their final relative configuration closer together where the space 2 is smaller horizontally, this relative movement of the objects 3 causing the concomitant transverse deformation of the section 7. In this case, the production of the interlayer 1 and its final positioning between the objects 3 are carried out simultaneously, the objects 3 constituting the direct positive means ensuring the deformation of the strip section 7. And this deformation resulting from the relative movement of approximation of the objects 3, the space 2 being reduced from a large initial value to a final, lower final value. In the first variant where jigs are used to deform the strip section 7 transversely, this deformation results from a relative movement of the jigs similar to the relative movement of the objects 3 provided for in the second variant.

We start either from a flat strip 7 section or from a continuous strip wound in a reel which is cut to the desired length, to form a section 7.

The invention also relates to a method of packaging a group 4 of objects in which the objects 3 are first placed at least approximately in the configuration of the final packaging, in particular in the separated position; then at least one interlayer 1 is produced and put in place on group 4 as described above; finally, the objects 3 are placed afterwards with the interlayer (s) 1 placed around in a container enveloping the group 4, in particular, at least partially, made of cardboard. The container can be subject to variants: American box, tray associated with a plastic cap, all-plastic packaging or other.

Before being shaped and put in place, the interlayer 1 is in the form of a generally rectangular cutout, in elevation. The method according to the invention aims to give the interlayer 1 a three-dimensional surface shape adjusted from the reference curve 8, adapted to the configuration of group 4 of objects 3. The interlayer 1 comprises a section 7 of single strip and the reference curve 8 can form at least half a turn. Or the reference curve 8 can have at least one three quarter turn, and in particular two three quarter turn, so as to separate four objects 3.

The interlayer 1 can be made of single-sided cardboard or also of corrugated cardboard. This embodiment has the advantage of facilitating longitudinal deformation by "rolling" of the section 7 of the strip while preventing transverse deformation. The interlayer 1 then comprises, once in place, a self-supporting character thanks to the transverse rigidity which it presents.

Finally, the invention relates to a device for producing and installing an insert 1 as described, interposed between the objects 3 of the group 4 of objects.

This device is such that the section 7 is deformed on the one hand completely, that is to say for its entire length (between the transverse edges 11) - and this from the start of the conformation - and, on the other hand , gradually since the section 7 in its entirety passes only gradually from its initial shape to its final conformation.

This device comprises means 13 for supplying strip sections 7; means for gripping and driving the section 7 of the strip, in particular in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction; means for transverse deformation of the strip section 7, that is to say means suitable for causing the strip section 7 to have a surface shape adjusted parallel to a transverse direction and from a reference curve 8; and means 9 for supporting objects 3. The means for supplying strip sections 7 consist, for example, of a store of superimposed flat cutouts or by a support mandrel of a strip reel associated with cutting means. transverse.

Such supply means are known or within the reach of those skilled in the art in the technical field of packaging and, for this reason, are not described further. These supply means can be the subject of numerous alternative embodiments such that, at the output, there are successive strip sections 7 not yet shaped and put in place.

The gripping and driving means have the function of gripping the strip section 7 of the feeding means and of displacing it as desired, in particular before it is shaped to place it between the templates or the objects 3 ensuring the deformation longitudinal. Such gripping and driving means consist, for example, of pliers, fingers, suction cups, carriage or the like or other driven in displacement by means of motor, gear motor, piston or others, directly or by the 'trolley intermediate, endless chain, threaded screws etc ... Such gripping and drive means are known or within the reach of those skilled in the art in the technical field of packaging and, for this reason, are not described further ,. These gripping and drive means can be the subject of numerous variant embodiments fulfilling the indicated function.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A to 1E which illustrate the invention in a possible form of implementation, the objects 3 are movable and displaceable relatively to each other longitudinally and transversely horizontally between on the one hand an initial position ( Figure 1A) or they are spaced longitudinally and transversely horizontally from one another in a configuration recalling the final configuration by allowing the supply and the passage, in particular longitudinal (or transverse or other), between them, of section 7 of strip flat in a configuration reminiscent of the final configuration, thanks to the gripping and driving means and on the other hand a final position (FIG. 1E) where they are brought close to each other longitudinally and transversely, in their final configuration or corresponding at least substantially to the final configuration of the objects 3 to be packaged.

To pass from the initial position to the final position, the objects 3 are driven relatively with respect to each other according to kinematics and appropriate means which can be the subject of numerous variants. For example, in the case of a group of six objects 3 distributed in two lines and three rows (with the designation LiRj as defined above), first place a section 7 between the objects 3 in the initial position, ( FIG. 1A) in particular by a horizontal longitudinal displacement (according to arrow A); then (FIG. 1B) the two lines of objects 3 are brought together (respectively L1R1, L1R2, L1R3 on the one hand, L2R1, L2R2, L2R3 on the other hand) until they are applied to the section 7 tape, on both sides (arrows C). Then there is an overall pivoting of the two central objects 3 L1R2 and L2R2, that is to say of the central row, by 180 ° at least approximately around a median vertical axis (Figures 1C and 1D) (arrow D) which has the effect of conforming the section 7 of strip to give it a general shape of S in its median transverse part. Then, a horizontal longitudinal relative bringing together of the end objects 3 L1R1, L2R1 on the one hand, L1R3, L2R3 on the other hand on the central objects 3 L1R2 and L2R2 is carried out, until bringing the objects 3 in the immediate vicinity against each other or substantially against the section 7 of the strip, which has the effect of thus deforming the transverse end portions of the section 7 (arrows E) (FIG. 1E). The device comprises, for this purpose, means for guiding, gripping, driving, moving, blocking the objects 3 relatively to each other such as slides, endless chains, motors or geared motors, carriages , suction cups, movable belts, clamps or any means capable of acting positively on the objects 3 in order to block them or keep them in certain relative configurations (in particular the initial position or configuration discarded and the position or configuration close final) and, on the other hand, move them according to controlled sequences from one position or configuration to another.

In the embodiment which has just been described, the means suitable for causing the strip section 7 to have a surface shape adjusted from the reference curve 8, that is to say the longitudinal deformation means of the strip support 7 are placed near the support means 9 and include the objects 3 themselves, acting as templates for the conformation of the interlayer 1, before being packed there. The same embodiment is applicable with these longitudinal deformation means spaced from the support means 9 and comprising templates instead of objects 3 in their template function, the device then comprising means for transferring a shaped interlayer 1 from the templates to the group 4 of objects 3 which is then in its final configuration having the space 2 just necessary for the passage, in the transverse direction, of the interlayer 1 shaped.

In one possible embodiment, these transfer means comprise at least one finger or the like horizontal and of general direction perpendicular to the section 7 of strip of flat non-conformed flat movable doubly, on the one hand longitudinally relative to their axes that is that is to say transversely with respect to the axes 10 of the objects 3 in particular in a horizontal plane so as to be able to be either placed against the longitudinal edge 12 in particular upper of the section 7 of shaped strip and thus to interfere with it so as to be able to act on it, either retracted apart, on the other hand, transversely, in particular vertically, that is to say parallel to the section 7 and to the transverse direction T or to the axes 10, upwards or downwards so as to be able (in combination with the longitudinal movement) either drive the interlayer 1 shaped downwards from the templates to the objects 3, or return upwards in the retracted position. Such transfer means can be produced differently and are known or within the reach of the skilled person in the packaging technique. They are therefore not described further.

In another possible form of implementation (FIGS. 2A to 2E), the operating sequence is slightly different from that which has been described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 1E. This sequence applies to both of the two variants considered: direct installation of the interlayer 1 on the objects 3 ensuring their conformation or intermediate use of templates. In the sequence of FIGS. 2A to 2E, the objects 3 (or templates - this precision in the form of a variant being subsequently no longer repeated) are, originally (FIG. 2A) in their final position, the section 7 of strip being at the vertical alignment of the space between the two lines of objects 3. By a vertical downward movement according to the arrows F, the section 7 is introduced into this space (FIG. 2B). Then, the end objects 3 L1R1, L2R1, L1R3, L2R3, L2R3) are separated relatively horizontally and longitudinally from the central objects 3 (FIG. 2D) as previously according to arrow D (FIG. 1C). And, finally, the end 3 objects (FIG. 2E) are brought together longitudinally and horizontally, as before according to the arrows E (FIG. 1E).

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3 to 7 which illustrate, in more detail, a device for producing and placing an insert 1, corresponding to the case of the implementation which has just been described. This device is incorporated, generally, in a machine or in a packaging installation, not shown. Only certain organs of the device are represented. The device comprises (FIG. 3) a frame 14 supporting in the upper middle position the longitudinal deformation means comprise means 15 for relative longitudinal horizontal movement of the end objects 3, in one direction or the opposite direction (FIG. 4) and means 16 of 180 ° rotation of the 3 central objects (Figures 5, 6, 7).

Preferably, the means 16 also include means for raising or lowering the central objects 3. the means 15, 16 are controlled, for example from control cams 17 carried by the frame 14, suitably driven in rotation. Mechanical systems such as connecting rod, crank or other and / or pneumatic, or other are associated with the cams 27 for transmitting the appropriate movements to the means 15 and 16, or respectively the systems 18, 19 (FIG. 3). The system 18 (FIG. 4) may include, for example, a cam control socket 20, controlled by a cam 17 acting on a spreader 20a for reversing the movement to provide a single control with two movable slides 21 sliding horizontally, rigidly supporting two vertical arms 22, rigidly supporting, themselves, two supports 23 directed face to face, coaxially, horizontally, terminated by suction cups 24 associated with a pneumatic control. The suction cups 24 act on and can grip and drive the end objects 3, so that by actuation of the corresponding cam 17 and via the control 20 the slides 21 are driven to slide in one direction or the other horizontally and longitudinally , which causes the concomitant displacement of the suction cups 24 therefore of the objects 3 which they grasp.

The system 19 (FIGS. 5, 6, 7) may comprise, for example a slide 25 engaged with a cam 17, acting on a pinion 26 acting on carrier means 27 guided in rotation by guide means 28.

The carrier means 27 are also associated with a slide 29 mounted to slide vertically, driven up or down by a jack 30 or equivalent.

The carrying means 27 are constituted by a frame 31 disposed horizontally with the jaws 32 sliding horizontally by means of jacks 33 or equivalent, suitable -when they cooperate- to grip the neck or plug 6 of an object 3 or central objects 3 to grip them firmly and allow, in particular their rotation against the base section 7.

Claims (10)

1. Method for producing and placing a spacer sheet (1) of the thin-partition type inbetween the objects (3) of a group (4) of juxtaposed objects to be packaged, of the type in which the starting material is a strip section (7) which is essentially longitudinally deformable over its entire length in a continuous manner, this section (7) is then gradually deformed so as to end up with a surface shape adjusted parallel to a transverse direction (T) according to a reference curve (8), the transverse edges of the section (7), which are parallel to the axis of the objects to be packaged, being substantially undeformed, the strip section (7) shaped in this way then forming a spacer sheet (1) being placed in between the objects (3), characterized in that the section (7) is kept at least substantially stationary as a whole whilst its longitudinal deformation is being effected so as to bring it gradually into the surface shape adjusted according to the reference curve (8).
2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the strip section (7) is shaped directly between the objects (3).
3. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the strip section (7) is first shaped around jigs and then, once the strip section (7) is shaped, the section (7) is simultaneously removed from the jigs and inserted between the objects (3) of the group (4) of objects to be packaged, the strip section (7) keeping at least substantially the same shape and the objects (3) being at least substantially in their final relative position.
4. Method according to Claim 3, characterized in that the objects (3) of the group (4) of objects to be packaged and the jigs are arranged, once the strip section (7) has been shaped, in the same configuration opposite one another, in the transverse direction, and relative sliding of the shaped strip section (7) is effected in the transverse direction from the jigs onto the group (4) of objects.
5. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the starting material is a flat strip section or a continuous wound strip which is cut to length.
6. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in order to deform the strip section (7) longitudinally, it is first placed at least substantially flat between jigs or the objects (3) in a spaced-apart initial position where they are spaced apart longitudinally and transversely horizontally from one another, and the jigs or the objects (3) are then displaced relatively into their final relative configuration where they are closer to one another, the longitudinal deformation of the strip section (7), with a view to shaping it, resulting from this relative movement of the objects (3) or jigs, the space (2) between them being reduced.
7. Method for packaging a group (4) of juxtaposed objects (3) with a spacer sheet (1) of the thin-partition type, characterized in that at least one spacer sheet (1) is produced and placed over the group (4) using the method according to any one of Claims 1 to 6; and afterwards the objects (3) with the spacer sheet or sheets (1) around them are placed in a container enveloping the group (4).
8. Device for producing and placing a spacer sheet of the thin-partition type inbetween the objects (3) of a group (4) of juxtaposed objects to be packaged, comprising means (13) for supplying strip sections (7); means for driving the strip section (7); means for longitudinally deforming the strip section (7), in other words means capable of bringing the strip section (7) into a surface shape adjusted parallel to a transverse direction according to a reference curve (8), the transverse edges of the section (7), which are parallel to the axis of the objects to be packaged, being substantially undeformed; and support means (9) for a group (4) of juxtaposed objects, characterized in that the means capable of bringing the strip section (7) into a surface shape adjusted according to the reference curve (8) comprise jigs or the objects (3) themselves which can move relatively longitudinally and transversely between an initial position in which they are spaced apart from one another and a final position in which they are close to one another in the configuration of the objects (3) to be packaged so as to be able to deform the section (7) while the latter remains substantially stationary as a whole.
9. Device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the means capable of bringing the strip section (7) into a surface shape adjusted according to the reference curve (8) are placed in proximity to the support means (9) such that the strip section (7) can be shaped directly on the objects (3).
10. Device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the means capable of bringing the strip section (7) into a surface shape adjusted according to the reference curve (8) are spaced apart from the support means (9), these means comprising jigs, and the device comprising means for transferring a shaped spacer sheet (1) from the said jigs to the said objects (3).

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