EP0284453A1 - Method and device for distributing blanks stacked in several piles - Google Patents

Abstract

The method for distributing to the unit, horizontally, blanks (1a,1b,1c,...) stored horizontally as a plurality of piles in a single plurality of stores (2a,2b,2c...) juxtaposed at lower extraction openings (3a,3b,3c), by virtue of moveable transfer means (4) and a first conveyor means (5), in which the stores (2a,2b,2c...) are filled with the blanks (1a,1b,1c...), an operating store (2) is selected from which a blank (1) has to be extracted, transfer means (4) associated with the operating store (2) are actuated to extract the operating blank (1) and to bring it onto the first conveyor means (5) wherein the relative position of the assembly of stores (2a,2b,2c...) and of the first conveyor means (5) are kept fixed, from among a plurality of transfer means (4a,4b,4c...) respectively associated with the plurality of stores (2a,2b,2c...) those associated with the selected operating store (2) are selected and only the selected transfer means (4) are actuated. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for storing and dispensing, individually, cutouts more specifically intended for packaging and made up of several groups; and a packaging method and machine - in particular for forming a packaging container - include such a device.

There are known packaging machines and installations using stacked cardboard blanks comprising devices for storing and distributing the unit blanks, of the type consisting of a store in which the blanks are stored stacked, transfer means such as grippers or mobile suction cups associated with the magazine, and a conveyor means forming part of the machine or installation (documents FR-1 361 604, FR-2 458 493, FR-2 469 353, US-3 356 976 and US-3,996,843).

Given the intrinsic complexity of most of the packaging machines and installations known commercially to date, the problem of automating the regulation of the feeding of the stacked blanks, according to their format, has not been seriously posed nor resolved so far. In addition, the stores have a limited cutout capacity.

Indeed, most of these packaging machines and installations have a single cutting format, a possible change in the cutting format being achieved by long and complex adjustment of the machines and installations and manual substitution of the cuts.

The prospect of automatically adjustable packaging machines and installations in terms of format therefore means that this manual substitution of stores is no longer appropriate. In addition, the use of machines and installations at high speed can be limited by the limited capacity of the magazine and the downtime necessary for its filling.

Document US-3,137,981 describes a packaging machine having several cutting magazines. This plurality of magazines forms an assembly which is mounted movable relative to single station transfer means (extraction suction cups), by means of drive cylinders, so that the magazine to be used is placed vertically means of transfer. The formats of the cuts of the different stores are identical, the only difference between the cuts of the different stores being their visual appearance. The packaging machine is therefore unique in format and not continuously adjustable. The assembly comprising the plurality of magazines and their drive jacks constitutes an accessory forming a unitary and functional whole which can be added to any packaging machine of the type considered, upstream, at the location of the transfer means. However, the packaging machine according to document US-3,137,981 does not allow changes to the cutting format; it is not suitable for a large number of stores; it is of limited performance due to the obligation to move the stores and the cutouts they contain, which prohibits, in particular, the possibility of changing stores during each cycle; it makes it difficult, if not impossible, to automatically feed the stores themselves due to their variable position.

Document US Pat. No. 1,625,057 describes a device for feeding cardboard blanks comprising four identical magazines carried by a table driven in rotation about its axis by quarter-turn drive means, the magazines themselves being arranged. at right angles around this axis. The magazine to be used is brought, thanks to the drive means, into a feeding position from which the blanks can be taken. Once this magazine is emptied, the table is pivoted a quarter of a turn to bring the next magazine into the feeding position. The store previously emptied can then be filled. This device has the same drawbacks as those mentioned previously in connection with document US-3,137,981.

Document US Pat. No. 3,952,636 describes a case-forming machine stored flat in one or more stores and, more specifically, stored vertically, the supply of flat cases occurring simultaneously for the plurality of stores. This machine includes a pair of spaced apart magazines, the openings of which are face each other; a pair of suction cups opposite to each other and facing the magazine openings, driven to slide horizontally; and two cutout guide falls located between and below the magazine openings and the suction cups. This machine is not intended or has the effect of changing the format of the cutouts used, such a format change not being possible. Not only is it not expected that the format can be changed over time, but it is also not expected that the two stores can contain cutouts of different format. By design, this machine may only contain a maximum of two hand stores, not more. This machine is specifically designed for stores with vertical cutouts, with all the consequences that follow, in particular the need for pushers to advance the cutouts in the stores as they are extracted; the impossibility of automatic loading, by simple gravity, of the stores; limitations on the actual use, including filling, of cases. The machine according to document US-3 952 636 is in fact a double machine, in its entirety, the two parts of the machine being juxtaposed and operating in synchronism.

Document US-4 192 496 describes a device for transferring stacks of sheets. However, this device is not suitable for the distribution, individually, of cuts in packaging machines with the possibility of format change.

The invention therefore aims to solve the first problem of the performance increase for the distribution to the unit of cuts from several separate groups of cuts. The invention also aims to simultaneously solve the second problem of increasing the performance of packaging machines and installations at several cutting stores. The invention aims, finally, to solve this second problem in the particular case of a packaging machine which can operate with several different formats of cuts.

More specifically, the invention aims to allow the presence of any number, including a large number, of stores or groups of cuts; change of operating store without substantial downtime of the machine using the cutouts; the possibility of filling the stores with the cuts automatically, by simple gravity.

To this end, the invention first proposes a method for distributing individually and horizontally cutouts stored horizontally in a plurality of vertical stacks forming the same plurality of homogeneous groups of cuts in the same plurality of juxtaposed stores with openings. lower extraction, thanks to mobile transfer means and a first conveyor means, process in which the magazines are first filled with the blanks; next, from the plurality of stores, an operating store is selected from which a cutout must be extracted; finally actuated transfer means functionally associated with the operating store so as to extract from the operating store the lowest cut and bring it to the first conveyor means for its subsequent distribution. According to the invention, the relative overall position of the magazines and of the first conveyor means is fixed, including between two successive different selections; selecting from a plurality of transfer means structurally and functionally associated respectively with the plurality of stores, those and only those associated with the selected operating store; and only the selected transfer means are activated.

The invention then proposes a method of packaging contents in containers implementing this method of distributing blanks, the containers being produced from these blanks.

The invention also provides a device for distributing individually and horizontally cutouts stored horizontally in a plurality of vertical stacks forming the same plurality of homogeneous groups of cutouts, of the type comprising a plurality of stores juxtaposed and aligned with openings d 'lower extraction intended to receive the same plurality of stacks of cuts; a first conveyor means for the cutouts for their distribution to the unit and horizontally; means for selecting an operating store from the plurality of stores; and mobile transfer means such as forceps or suction cups or the like, displaced by drive means, capable of being associated functionally and structurally with the operating store, so as to grasp the lowest cutout of the operating store for the extract from this operating store and bring it to the first conveyor means. According to the invention the first conveyor means is of the drive type linear; the magazines and and the first conveyor means have a relative position of a fixed assembly; the stores are located vertically above the first conveyor means; the transfer means are arranged according to a plurality of transfer means structurally and functionally associated respectively with the same plurality of magazines; and the device comprises means for selecting the operating transfer means associated with the selected operating store such as the drive means displacing only the selected transfer means.

Finally, the invention proposes an installation for packaging contents in containers incorporating such a device for distributing blanks used to produce the containers.

As this already results from the above and is explained in detail later, the blank stores remain fixed even when changing a store. This makes it possible, on the one hand, to avoid having to provide complex means for supporting and moving the magazines and, on the other hand, the downtime required for moving the magazines. In addition, it is possible to provide any number of stores, including a large one, for example of the order of two to ten, without a substantial increase in the complexity of the device or a substantial reduction in rates. It is also possible, due to the modular structure of the device, to modify the number of magazines even after the device is in place. The arrangement of stacks of vertical cutouts remaining permanently fixed allows loading from above, by gravity, in particular thanks to automated means such as robots and extraction from below, the stack conforming as the loading and extraction, by gravity. In the case of a packaging machine using cutouts of a single format, the invention allows an increase in the rate since the change of magazine can be carried out instantly, without stopping or slowing down the machine, while the unused magazine can be filled automatically, by simple gravity because it is in a determined and constant location. In the case of a packaging machine using cuts of different formats, the invention also allows a very significant increase in the rate with an increase in the versatility of use, the number of formats being able to be high.

The method and the device according to the invention are more specifically, hand not exclusively, intended for packaging, in particular for packaging machines and installations preferably in multi-format in which case the groups of cuts are at least different from each other. part, and / or alternatively at a high rate in which case the groups of cuts are similar. The method and the device according to the invention are particularly efficient in the case where the machine and the multi-format packaging installation are automatic because the automatic adjustment of the machine or installation is not disturbed by the adjustment of cutting food. In all cases, the change of store is carried out instantly.

• - La figure 1 est une vue de dessus d'un dispositif de distribution selon l'invention, représenté schématiquement, associé à une machine d'emballage représentée partiellement.
• - La figure 2 est une vue en élévation verticale, partielle du dispositif de la figure 1, associé à une machine d'emballage.

The invention will be clearly understood from the description which follows with reference to the drawings in which:

• - Figure 1 is a top view of a dispensing device according to the invention, shown schematically, associated with a packaging machine shown partially.
• - Figure 2 is a vertical elevational view, partial of the device of Figure 1, associated with a packaging machine.

The invention relates firstly to a method and a device for distributing, individually and horizontally, cutouts 1a, 1b, 1c, ... more specifically intended for packaging.

The cuts are either flat, joined, or other. They are stored horizontally in a plurality of vertical stacks, forming the same plurality of homogeneous groups of cuts (the cuts in the same stack being similar). The references 1a, 1b, 1c, ... designate the cuts of the different stacks as well as the stacks of cuts themselves or the corresponding groups of cuts.

The invention also relates to a packaging method and installation implementing the distribution method and device, the cutouts then being intended to constitute containers such as cases, boxes, cases or the like enveloping contents. (such as box, bottle, package or other) to package them.

The cutout groups are stored in the same plurality of magazines 2a, 2b, 2c, ... juxtaposed - notably aligned and following each other horizontally close to each other - with extraction openings 3a, 3b, 3c, ... respective inferiors.

The method and the device for distributing the blanks also implements and comprises, respectively, firstly mobile transfer means 4 and then a first conveyor means 5, also mobile, for transporting the blanks distributed from the stores from which they are taken. to their later destination.

According to the method, the magazines 2a, 2b, 2c ... are first filled with cutouts 1a, 1b, 1c ... respectively; one then selects, from the plurality of stores 2a, 2b, 2c ..., one and only one operating store 2 from which a cutout 1 must then be extracted; finally, transfer means 4 are operatively associated functionally with the operating store 2 so as to extract from the operating store 2 the lowest operating cutout 1 and bring it to the first conveyor means 5, in movement, for its subsequent distribution in particular to the packaging machine.

According to the invention, the overall relative position of the magazines 2a, 2b, 2c ... and of the first conveyor means 5 is kept fixed, including between two successive different selections. We select from a plurality of transfer means 4a, 4b, 4c ... structurally and functionally associated respectively with the same plurality of stores 2a, 2b, 2c ..., those and only those associated with the only operating store 2 selected. And only the selected transfer means are activated 4.

By "keeping the overall position of the stores and of the first conveyor means fixed" is meant the fact that the locations of these remain in a fixed relative position, which does not prevent one or more displacements being localized, either overall but without modifications to the layout. Anisi, the 2 "magazines can be of individually modifiable configuration, to be adapted to the 1" cutouts and the first conveyor means 5 (more precisely its drive member) is movable to ensure its function of transport.

In a first variant (shown in the figures), the groups of cutouts 1a, 1b, 1c, ... are of different types (in particular dimensionally) from one another, in whole or in part, and the invention is more specifically intended to allow a change of type of cuts, in particular of format. In a second variant (not shown), the groups of cuts 1a, 1b, 1c, ... are identical and the invention aims to increase the total storage capacity of the cuts 1a, 1b, 1c, ..., to be avoided the idle times of loading an empty store or of switching from one store to another.

Once on the first conveyor means 5, the cutout 1 is used, manipulated, shaped, processed, etc. for its object or its final destination, in particular the packaging.

The number of blanks stores 2a, 2b, 2c, ... is determined by the number of homogeneous groups of blanks 1a, 1b, 1c, ... to be used for packaging or any other application for which l 'invention. This number - whole - may be small - for example, two or three - or on the contrary large for example of the order of ten or more.

Preferably, the cutouts 1a, 1b, 1c, ... are flat cartons, with one or more thicknesses, intended to be folded, unfolded, shaped or otherwise to form a container constituting a package. However, the invention may have other applications, the cuts being able to be sheets, in particular in office automation machines (for example photocopiers) or parts such as sheets in industrial processes.

In the text, the references 1a, 1b, 1c, ... denote the cutouts found in the respective stores 2a, 2b, 2c, ...; the selected and therefore operative store bearing the reference 2 and the cutouts of this selected and operative store bearing the reference 1ʹ; the operating store 2 being one of the stores 2a, 2b, 2c, ... and the cutouts 1, being among the cutouts 1a, 1b, 1c, ... respectively. One designates by 1 that of the cuts to be used, namely the lowest cut of the stack of cuts 1ʹ that is to say the operational cut, the other upper cuts 1ʹ being in waiting for further use without further selection modification. The indices a, b, c, ... associated with a reference designating an organ, a means, refer to this organ, means, etc ... as it is associated with the store 2a, 2b, 2c,. .. bearing the same index (or the corresponding cut 1a, 1b, 1c, ...). This same organ, means, etc ... with its reference without index a, b, c, ... designates the organ, means, etc ... selected or operative. Finally, we denote by 1 ", 2", etc ... respectively a cutout, a magazine, etc ... in general whether it is operational or not, and this for reasons of simplification.

By selection of an organ, means, etc., to be operative, is meant the fact that among a plurality of such similar organs, means, etc., only one (which may be itself multiple) is selected to be used or implemented while the others are not intended to be used at this time.

We fill and fill manually or mechanically, on demand or programmed, individually or not, etc ... the different 2 "stores, with corresponding 1" cutouts, grouped in homogeneous formats. By format is meant a type and / or a shape and / or particular dimensions of cutting. In each 2 "magazine, the number of similar cutouts 1" is stored suitable to allow efficient operation, in particular sufficiently durable, of the device according to the invention. According to the invention, the magazines 2 "are operated by simple gravity, due to the vertical arrangement of the stacks of cutouts 1".

The operating store 2 is selected in particular according to the operating program of the machine or of the installation, in particular of packaging, with which the distribution device is associated and to which the corresponding cutouts 1 are intended. This machine or installation operating program is determined either manually or automatically. It can consist of one or more recorded programs or an appropriate response to a suitable request taking into account a detection of a generating event such as, for example, the type and format of the content to be packaged. This selection is made either for each successive cut 1, or preferably for a certain number of identical successive cut 1, taking into account the usual organization of such a machine or installation working in homogeneous series.

However, the automatic, instantaneous character and without special movement of part, organ, etc ... of the change of groups of cuts, and therefore the simplicity and the speed which results from it, authorize changes of groups of cuts 1 as many times as 'it is necessary, possibly even for each cut 1, without substantially affecting the rate and flow of the machine or the installation with which the dispensing device according to the invention is associated. In the case of several groups of similar 1 "blanks, the invention among the rapid change of magazine 2", the unused magazine 2 "can then be refilled with blanks 1".

We transfer - thanks to transfer means 4- a cutout 1 from the operating store 2 to the first conveyor means 5 by positively gripping this cutout 1, in particular mechanically by pinching, or even pneumatically by vacuum suction. Any other method allowing the transfer of a blank 1 from the operating store 2 to the first conveyor means 5 can be used, if it is adapted to the device. In general, the cutout 1 is grasped by its free lower face situated in the lower opening 3.

In a particular application of the invention, the different cutouts 1a, 1b, 1c, etc., have different dimensions in the transverse (and horizontal) direction relative to their general direction of common advancement in the distribution device along of the first conveyor means 5 and in the machine or the associated installation, the latter direction being said to be longitudinal (and normally being horizontal). In this case, the effective transverse dimensions of the first conveyor means 5 are dimensionally adjusted, in response to the selection of the magazine 2, before actuating the transfer means 4 so that the first conveyor means 5 is adapted dimensionally and transversely to the cutouts 1. and to the corresponding transverse dimension of the selected operating magazine 2. The effective size of the first conveyor means 5 is understood to mean the size allowing this first conveyor means 5 to be active and dimensionally adapted to effectively transport the blanks 1. In this case, the first conveyor means 5 is dimensionally adjustable in the transverse direction. and lockable in any position once adjusted. And, the operation of the device is such that, at all times, all of the cutouts 1 finding on the first conveyor means 5, if there are several cuts, are identical, at least in transverse direction.

In a first variant of the method, a plurality of magazines 2 "identical to each other are filled with a plurality of homogeneous groups of cutouts 1" of formats identical to each other. In a second variant, a plurality of magazines 2 "of different sizes are filled together in the longitudinal direction and / or the transverse direction with a plurality of homogeneous groups of cuts 1" of different formats between them. These two variants can be combined together, the dispensing device then comprising several groups of cutouts 1 "of different formats and, for at least one given format, several separate groups of cutouts 1".

The invention then relates to a method of packaging contents in containers made up of cases, boxes, cases made from cutouts, in which firstly cut 1 "cutouts stored horizontally in a plurality of vertical stacks forming the same plurality of homogeneous groups of 1 "cutouts; a container is then formed from the distributed operating cut 1 and a content is wrapped with this container. According to this packaging method, the blanks 1 are distributed by the method described above. In the case where the groups of cutouts 1 "are identical, the implementation of this distribution process has the effect of allowing continuous packaging without imposing downtime due to the filling of magazines 2" with the cutouts 1 ". In the case where the cutout groups 1" are different, the implementation of this distribution process has the effect of allowing continuous packaging with containers of dimensions or characteristics (shape, store, etc.). .) different without imposing downtime due to the change in cutting format. The packaging process, per se, is not directly the subject of this invention and for this reason it is not described further. It can, in itself, be the subject of different variant embodiments.

The invention also relates to a device for distributing, individually and horizontally, cutouts stored horizontally in a plurality of vertical stacks forming the same plurality of homogeneous groups of cuts more specifically intended for a packaging machine and implementing the process which has just been described.

This device is of the type comprising a plurality of magazines 2 "juxtaposed horizontally and aligned longitudinally with lower extraction openings 3" horizontal, intended to receive the same plurality of piles of blanks 1 "; a first conveyor means 5 of blanks 1, mobile , for their distribution to the unit and horizontally; means for selecting an operating store 2 from the plurality of stores 2 "; and mobile transfer means 4 such as forceps or suction cups or equivalent, moved by driving means 6 "and able to be associated functionally and structurally with the operating store 2, so as to grip the lower operating cutout 1 of the store 2 to extract it from the operating store 2 and bring it to the first conveyor means 5, on which it is conveyed to its post of subsequent use.

This device is such that the first conveyor means 5 is of the linear drive type; the 2 "magazines and the first conveyor means 5 are of relative overall fixed position; the transfer means 4 are arranged according to a plurality of transfer means 4" associated structurally and functionally respectively with the same plurality of magazines 2 "; and the device comprises means for selecting the operating transfer means 4 associated with the selected operating store 2 such that the drive means 6 "move only the selected transfer means. The term “linear drive conveyor” means a sliding cleat conveyor or equivalent, as opposed to a carousel type conveyor. This first conveyor means 5 is also of the openwork type, allowing passage through it. Such a first conveyor means 5 is known per se for example in the field of packaging.

This device comprises a frame 7 in one or more parts, resting on a support plane in particular in general a horizontal floor. It is in relation to a horizontal support plane that reference is made in the text to such an orientation. The frame 7 comprises: constituent elements 8 extending in a vertical direction, in particular at the periphery of the device, horizontal constituent elements 9 and longitudinal in particular high and low, and horizontal and transverse constituent elements in particular high and low, the qualifiers "longitudinal" and "transverse" having been defined previously as respectively the general direction of advancement of the cuts and the direction perpendicular to the latter and horizontal. Preferably, the frame 7 has a modular structure, consisting of separate blocks 7a, 7b, 7c, ... each for a store 2a, 2b, 2c, ...

The cutout distribution device generally has a longitudinal and vertical plane of symmetry P.

The 2 "magazines are not, per se and taken individually, the subject of the invention and are known or within the reach of those skilled in the art in other applications. For reasons, the 2" magazines are not described in more detail. Such stores are carried fixed by a frame 7; include 11 "vertical and lateral, longitudinal and transverse cheeks, mounted adjustable in spacing and lockable on the frame 7; have upper loading openings 12" horizontal with positions also fixed; and are aligned along and above the first conveyor means 5.

The cheeks 11 "maintain between them a stack of cutouts 1" while being adjusted to this without preventing the successive removal, by unit, as and when required, of the lowest operating cutout 1 from the stack. The 2 "magazines are shaped to receive the corresponding 1" cutouts. In particular, the different 2 "magazines are obtained by simple dimensional adjustment of the same single type of adjustable 2" magazine having side 11 "cheeks, adjustable, in particular with longitudinal and / or transverse sliding and lockable in position. This adjustment can be, itself, manual or automatic or enslaved.

It is meant by the fact that only one magazine 2 is operational the fact that at a given moment, if a magazine is used - when the machine or the installation is in operation - there is only one magazine 2 can be used and not several 2 "magazines simultaneously.

Either the 2 "magazines of the plurality of magazines are identical and are intended for cuts of identical formats, or they are different, especially of different sizes and are intended for cuts of different formats, or, finally, there is a combination of these two cases.

The 2 "magazines are normally placed in the same upper horizontal plane of the device, in the upper part of the frame 7.

The first conveyor means 5 comprises first movable longitudinal sliding drive means 13 for operating cuts 1 constituted by at least one flexible connection, of wired, inextensible, endless type, 14; extending unitarily opposite the plurality of extraction openings 3 "of the plurality of magazines 2"; supporting at least one driving cleat 15 of a cutout 1; these first longitudinal sliding drive means 13 being separated transversely from the transfer means 4 "in the extraction position and being driven by a drive member such as a motor 16. The link 14 is for example an endless chain or equivalent stretched between two end gears 17, 18, of horizontal and transverse axes, carried by the frame 7 and situated in two longitudinal ends upstream and downstream of the device with respect to the direction of advancement of the cuts 1. Such a connection 14 has an active upper strand 19 and an inactive lower return strand 20. Preferably, there are provided several tabs 15 regularly spaced from one another In this case, when a particular selection of an operating store 2, l one of the lugs 15, namely the one under the operating magazine 2, is made active, solely because of this position. The lugs 15 are mounted on the link 14 so as to project vertically towards the ha ut of the upper strand 19. Preferably, the upstream transverse edges 21 "of the extraction openings 3" of the magazines 2 "and the tabs 15 of the first conveyor means 5 are spaced respectively regularly with the same spacing.

The first conveyor means 5 is understood to extend unitarily under the magazines 2 ", the fact that it is the same single first conveyor 5, having the structure described, which extends under the plurality of magazines 2".

The first conveyor means 5 can operate, preferably, continuously or, on the contrary, intermittently per cycle.

Preferably, a connection 14 of the first conveyor means 5 is carried by a fixed longitudinal beam 22 and carried by the frame 7 spaced transversely from the transfer means 4 so as not to interfere with them and also supporting the drive member 16.

The connection 14 and the beam 22 can be, for example, located in the median longitudinal plane P. However, the connection 14 and the beam 22 can also be moved away from the plane P as long as they do not interfere with the transfer means 4, during the movement of the latter.

The connection 14 and the beam 22 are located substantially halfway up the frame 7 vertically and below the 2 "magazines.

The transfer means 4 located towards the lower half of the frame 7, comprise, for each of those of the plurality, at least one transfer member 23 ", such as a vacuum suction gripper or equivalent, each carried by a vertical drive rod 24 "of length at least equal to the distance between the first conveyor means 5 and the lower extraction opening 3", extending and directed, from the member 23 "and by relative to the first conveyor means 5 in the opposite direction to the magazine 2 "; drive means 25" of the rod 24 ", therefore of the member 23" -and therefore transfer means 4 "-, between two extreme positions namely on the one hand a lower position where the transfer member 23 "is adjacent to the first conveyor means 5 for either the distribution of a cutout 1 on this first conveyor means 5, or the inactive rest and on the other hand a upper extraction position where it is adjacent to the 3 "extraction opening; of the transfer member 23 "such as means for supplying the vacuum cup or the like. The means for selecting the transfer means 4 act on the drive means 25 "of the rods 24" and on the operating means of the transfer member 23 ". A free horizontal and longitudinal passage 26 is provided above the first means conveyor 5 when the members 23 "are in the lower position to allow, without hindrance, the passage of cutouts 1, including below a non-operative 2" magazine from which this cutout is not extracted and located downstream of the operative store 2.

The suction cups 23 "can be replaced by any member of a different or functionally equivalent nature or structure, capable of picking up, moving and distributing blanks. The vacuum supply means are then replaced by any other different means suitable for this purpose. For example, the transfer member can be a gripper and the operating means, can then be joints, jacks, etc. capable of operating the gripper.

The drive means 25 "of the rods 24" are, for example, constituted by pneumatic cylinders located in the lower part of the frame 7.

The vacuum supply means include, for example, a vacuum source, conduits connecting this source and the suction cups 23 "and valves capable of cutting the vacuum supply. Such supply means are known per se , those skilled in the art for other applications and, for this reason, are not described further. The same applies to pneumatic cylinders or other equivalent member for driving the driving means 25 "of the rods 24" .

The means for selecting the transfer means 4 "can be associated with the means for selecting the magazines 2" and act on the vacuum supply valves.

Preferably, there is provided, for the same magazine 2 "several transfer members 23" such as suction cups or equivalent and several associated drive rods 24 ", spaced apart longitudinally and / or transversely from each other, providing space in particular longitudinal 27 for the passage of the first movable longitudinal sliding drive means 13 and of the longitudinal beam 22 which carries the first conveyor means 5.

This space 27 is essentially useful horizontally and transversely to the right of the first conveyor means 5.

The transfer members such as suction cups 23 "or equivalent are, for example rather located in the central part of a magazine 2" (considered by its trace on a horizontal plane). For the different 2 "magazines, the members 23" associated with each of them preferably have the same constitutive configuration whatever the constitutive configuration of the 2 "magazines, which allows standardization of the transfer means 4", these being in number equal and as large as that of the 2 "magazines and identical to each other. For example, two longitudinal rows of suction cups 23" are provided, facing each other, on either side of the plane P and symmetrically, each row comprising several suction cups 23 "(three in the case of figure, the number however not being limiting). For example, the two rows of suction cups 23" are located on either side and in the immediate vicinity of the first conveyor means 5 and beam 22.

The first conveyor means 5 also comprises first lateral longitudinal guide means 28 of the operating cuts 1 constituted by two lateral slides 29 extending longitudinally. The slides 29 are normally symmetrical to each other with respect to the plane P; located at least substantially in the horizontal plane of the upper strand 19, which thus constitutes a horizontal plane Q of longitudinal sliding of the cutouts 1. Each slide 29 can have, in cross-section and vertical cross-section, a general shape of angle iron having a horizontal wing turned towards the plane P on which slides the longitudinal free transverse end portion of the blank 1 by supporting it and a vertical wing and directed upwards along which slides the corresponding free edge of the blank 1 by guiding it. To this end, the transverse spacing between the two slides 29 (in particular their vertical wings) corresponds to the transverse spacing of the longitudinal edges of the operating cutout 1, that is to say to its transverse dimensions.

A slide 29 can be continuous or discontinuous. It can be either common and unique for the plurality of 2 "magazines and then extend in one piece along and next to the longitudinal beam 22, or also include a plurality of longitudinal sections in number equal to the plurality of 2 "magazines, each section being structurally and functionally associated with one of the 2" magazines. The different sections of slides 29 are in longitudinal extension of one another, the spacing between two adjacent sections being zero or small for allow continuity of maintaining and guiding the cutouts 1. This embodiment is well suited to the case of a modular frame 7 made up of 7 "blocks, as indicated.

The lateral slides 29 are carried by support means 30 ensuring their adjustable and lockable transverse spacing, these support means 30 being controlled by the selection means of an operating store 2 or operating transfer means 4 so that the transverse spacing lateral slides 29 is equal to or adapted to the transverse format of the cutouts 1 ′ of the selected operative magazine 2. The carrier means 30 are themselves carried by the frame 7. These carrier means 30 are either unique and common to all the magazines 2 " , and this especially in the case of a frame 7 itself in one piece, or in several parts, each for a 2 "magazine and a block 7" of the frame 7. In the latter case, the various constituent parts carrier means 20 are associated with each other in particular to ensure synchronous movement of the different sections of slides 29, from common and unique drive means.

The carrier means 30 of the side rails 29 comprise guide means 31 of the side rails 29 in the transverse direction and drive means 32 of the side rails 29 along the guide means 31, with locking in position, in particular in the opposite direction for the two slides 29 located on either side of the plane P.

In a possible, but not exclusive, embodiment, the support means 30 comprise transverse threaded shafts 33 carried by the frame 7; on which are mounted the side rails 29 by threaded holes 34; and a motor 35 for driving the threaded shafts 33 controlled by the selection means. The threaded shafts 33 are located below the sliding plane Q of the cutouts 1. For example, the shafts 33 are each in two coaxial parts, on one side and the other of the plane P, carried by bearings 36 of an internal part fixed to the longitudinal beam 22 and, on the other hand, external fixed to the frame 7 laterally. Preferably and in the case of carrier means 30 in several parts for each 2 "magazine, these means 30, in particular the shafts 33, are located at the two upstream and downstream ends of each block 7" of the corresponding frame 7 1 at each 2 "store.

In the case of the variant with threaded shafts 33, the threads of the two coaxial parts of the shafts 33 are in opposite directions to one another. Such shafts 33 constitute in themselves guide means 31. Their threading, the tapped holes 34 and the motor 35 constitute the drive means 32.

The means for selecting the operating store 2 and the means for selecting the operating transfer means 4 also acting on the first lateral longitudinal guide means 28 are controlled by means for selecting a group of cuts, manual or automatic according to a program. operating or in response to the request of a machine in particular packaging 37 with which the device is associated.

As follows from the above description, the magazines 2 "are essentially static and, in themselves, passive both individually and as a whole. And because of the design of the device, as described, each magazine 2" can be made operational by the simple fact that the 4 "transfer means associated with it are made operational. Thus, the dispensing device operates, is adjusted, and becomes operational, for such selected store 2, from an order input for the use of such a cutout 1, this control acting directly on the one hand on the first lateral longitudinal guide means 28 to adjust them transversely and adapt them to the cutout to be dispensed and, on the other hand, on the means of transfer 4 "so that only those of the stack of cutouts of which a cutout 1 is to be distributed are made operational, this having as a consequence in the first place the actuation of the operative drive means ires 25 and, secondly, that of the operating means of the operative transfer member (s) 23.

The selection means are known per se or within the reach of the skilled person. They operate in response to an input command generally in the form of an electrical signal and include the appropriate controllers, circuits, programs, etc.

The device which has just been described operates in the manner following in the case where the latter comprises, as transfer members 23 "suction cups: initially the magazines 2" are filled with the cutouts 1 "corresponding to the appropriate magazines 2". The transfer means 4 ", in number equal to that of the magazines 2", are in the lower position (case). The drive means 6 are actuated, the stops 15 sliding at constant linear speed in the plane P, from upstream to downstream, along the upper strand 19. A command is sent to the distribution device, therefore to the selection means. This command consists in distributing one or more blanks 1 from such a given group of blanks, therefore coming from such an operating magazine 2. The transfer means 4 "from the non-operating magazine (s) 2" remain inactive and in the lower retracted position, the transfer members which constitute them 23 "being neither displaced nor made operational. The transfer means 4 of the operating store 2 are actuated by the drive means 25 and the means for creating the vacuum so that the corresponding suction cups 23 make a vertical upward and downward movement back and forth from and to their lower position coming from the operating store 2 to enter the lower operating cutout 1 and bring it down to the first conveyor 5, this kinematics being combined with the movement one of the cleats 15 so that the latter then causes the cutting along the first conveyor means 5, thanks to the first guide means 31. Beforehand and g Thanks to the selection made, the side rails 29 have been adjusted in relative position in reciprocal transverse spacing to be able to receive the extracted cutout 1. Depending on the position (upstream to downstream) of the operating magazine 2, the operating cutting in motion 1 can possibly pass under one or more non-operative magazine 2 "without being hindered, the passage 26 being free of any obstacle. The extracted operative cut 1 is delivered and another cycle for a cut of the same or different format can begin. In the case where the method implements a cut of different transverse format, the implementation takes place only when the cut previously extracted, in movement on the first conveyor means, has left the latter so that it can then be adjusted crosswise, unimpeded.

The invention also relates to a packaging installation which comprises a packaging machine comprising a device for constituting containers from distributed blanks and for wrapping contained with the containers, comprising a second conveyor means for the blanks and / or containers, respectively 38 consisting of second longitudinal drive means 39 and second lateral longitudinal guide means 40, and a device for distributing the blanks individually as just described. This device is located upstream of the packaging machine 37, the first and second conveyor means 5, 38 being in longitudinal extension and in close proximity to one another and the spacing between the first and second lateral means of longitudinal guide 28, 40 being identical.

Preferably, the second lateral longitudinal guide means 40 are also of adjustable transverse spacing. In particular, they are driven by the same motor 35 as that driving the first lateral guide means 28.

Also, preferably, the device for distributing the blanks comprises means for retracting the tabs 15 at the downstream end of the first longitudinal sliding drive means 13, at the place where these are adjacent to the second means of longitudinal drive 39. These retracting means comprise, for example a projection with which an extension of the lugs 15 interferes.

Claims (25)

1) Method for horizontally and individually distributing blanks (1a, 1b, 1c, ...) stored horizontally in a plurality of vertical stacks forming the same plurality of homogeneous groups of blanks in the same plurality of stores (2a, 2b, 2c, ...) juxtaposed with lower extraction openings (3a, 3b, 3c ..), thanks to transfer means (4) movable and a first conveyor means (5); in which the magazines (2a, 2b, 2c ...) are first filled with the cutouts (1a, 1b, 1c ...); next, from the plurality of stores (2a, 2b, 2c ...), an operating store (2) is selected from which a cutout (1) must be extracted; finally, transfer means (4) are operatively associated with the operating store (2) so as to extract from the operating store (2) the lower operating cutout (1) and to bring it onto the first conveyor means (5) for its subsequent distribution, characterized by the fact that the relative position of the overall stores (2a, 2b, 2c ...) and of the first conveyor means (5) is fixed, including between two successive different selections; we select from a plurality of transfer means (4a, 4b, 4c ...) structurally and functionally associated respectively with the plurality of stores (2a, 2b, 2c ...), those and only those associated with the selected operating store ( 2); and only the selected transfer means (4) are actuated. 2) Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of identical magazines (2 ") are filled with a plurality of homogeneous groups of cutouts (1") of identical formats. 3) Method according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that a plurality of magazines (2 ") of different sizes are filled with a plurality of homogeneous groups (1") of different formats. 4) Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cutouts are of different formats in the transverse direction relative to their direction of longitudinal advance on the first conveyor means (5) thanks to a first conveyor means dimensionally adjustable in transverse direction, characterized in that before actuating the transfer means (4) the first conveyor means (5) are dimensionally adjusted in transverse direction to the transverse dimension of the selected operating store (2). 5) Method for packaging contents in containers made up of cases, boxes, cases made from cutouts in which firstly cut out units are cut horizontally stored horizontally in a plurality of vertical stacks forming the same plurality of homogeneous groups of cuts; a container is then formed from the distributed blank (1) and a content is wrapped with the container, characterized in that the blanks are distributed by the method according to any one of claims 1 and 2, which has the effect of allowing continuous packaging without imposing downtime due to the filling of magazines (2 ") with cutouts (1"). 6) A method of packaging contents in containers made up of cases, boxes, cases made from cutouts in which are first distributed individually and horizontally cutouts stored horizontally in a plurality of vertical stacks forming the same plurality of homogeneous groups of cuts; a container is then formed from the distributed blank (1) and a content is wrapped with the container, characterized in that the blanks are distributed by the process according to any one of claims 1, 3, and 4, which has the effect of allowing continuous packaging with containers of different dimensions without imposing downtime due to the change of cutout format. 7) Device for distributing individually and horizontally cutouts (1 ") stored horizontally in a plurality of vertical stacks (1a, 1b, 1c, etc.) forming the same plurality of homogeneous groups of cutouts, of the type comprising a plurality of juxtaposed and aligned magazines (2 ") with lower extraction openings (3") intended to receive the same plurality of stacks of cutouts (1 "); a first conveyor means (5) of the blanks (1) for their distribution to the unit and horizontally; means for selecting an operating store (2) from among the plurality of stores (2 "); and means for mobile transfer (4) such as forceps or suction cups or equivalent, moved by drive means (6), able to be associated functionally and structurally with the operating store (2), so as to grasp the lowest cutout ( 1) from the operating store (2) to extract it from the operating store (2) and bring it onto the first conveyor means (5), characterized in that the first conveyor means (5) is of the linear drive type; the magazines (2 ") and the first conveyor means (5) are of relative fixed overall position; the transfer means (4) are arranged according to a plurality of transfer means (4") structurally and functionally associated respectively with the same plurality of magazines (2 "); and the device comprises means for selecting the operating transfer means (4) associated with the selected operating magazine (2) such that the drive means (6) move only the selected transfer means (4). 8) Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the magazines (2 ") of the plurality of magazines are identical and are intended for cutouts (1") of identical formats. 9) Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the magazines (2 ") of the plurality of magazines are of different sizes and are intended for cutouts (1") of different formats. 10) Device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the first conveyor means (5) comprises first movable means of longitudinal sliding drive (13) of the blanks (1) constituted by at least one connection flexible, wired, inextensible, endless (14); extending unitarily opposite the extraction openings (3 ") of the plurality of magazines (2"); supporting at least one cutout drive (15); these first longitudinal sliding drive means (13) being spaced transversely from the transfer means (4 ") and being driven by a drive member such as a motor (16). 11) Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the upstream transverse edges (21 ") of the extraction openings (3") of the magazines (2 ") and the cleats (15) of the first conveyor means (5) are spread evenly with the same spacing. 12) Device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the magazines (2 ") are carried fixed by a frame (7); include cheeks (11") vertical longitudinal side and transverse mounted adjustable in spacing and lockable on the frame (7); have upper loading openings (12 ") horizontal and also fixed positions; and are aligned along the first conveyor means (5). 13) Device according to any one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that a connection (14) of the first conveyor means (5) is carried by a longitudinal beam (22) fixed to the frame (7) spaced transversely from the means transfer (4) so as not to interfere with them and also supporting the drive member (16). 14) Device according to any one of claims 7 to 13, characterized in that the transfer means (4) comprise, for each of those of the plurality, at least one transfer member such as a suction cup (23 ") gripping by suction or equivalent, each carried by a vertical drive rod (24 ") of length at least equal to the distance between the first conveyor means (5) and the lower extraction opening (3") extending and directed, from the member (23) and relative to the first conveyor means (5) in the opposite direction to the magazines (2 "); drive means (25 ") for the rod (24"), therefore for the member (23 "), between two extreme positions, namely a lower position where it is adjacent to the first conveyor means (5) and a portion extraction upper where it is adjacent to the extraction opening (3 "); operating means of the transfer member (23 "), such as means for supplying the vacuum cup or equivalent; the means for selecting the transfer means acting on the drive means (25") of the rod (24 ") and on the operating means; a free horizontal and longitudinal passage (26) being provided above the first conveyor means (5) when the members (23") are in the lower position to allow passage without hindrance , of a cutout (1), including below a magazine (2 ") which is not operational and from which it is not extracted. 15) Device according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises for the same magazine (2 ") several suction transfer members or equivalent (23") and several drive rods (24 ") associated, spaced apart longitudinally and / or transversely from each other, provision between them in particular a longitudinal space (27 ") for the passage of the first longitudinal sliding drive means (13) and of the longitudinal beam (22) which carries the first conveyor means (5). 16) Device according to any one of claims 7 to 15, characterized in that each of the transfer means (4 ") of the plurality of transfer means has the same constitutive configuration, whatever the constitutive configuration of the magazine (2" ). 17) Device according to any one of claims 7 to 16, characterized in that the first conveyor means (5) also comprises first lateral means for longitudinal guide (28) of the cutouts (1) constituted by two lateral slides (29 ) extending longitudinally. 18) Device according to claim 17, characterized in that the lateral slides (29) each comprise a plurality of longitudinal sections in number equal to the plurality of magazines (2 "), each section being structurally and functionally associated with one of the magazines (2 "). 19) Device according to any one of claims 17 and 18, characterized in that the lateral slides (29) are carried by carrier means (30) ensuring their adjustable and lockable transverse spacing, these carrier means (30) being controlled by the means for selecting an operating store (2) or operating transfer means (4) so that the transverse spacing of the lateral slides (29) corresponds to the transverse format of the cutouts (1) of the selected operating store (2) . 20) Device according to claim 19, characterized in that the carrier means (30) of the side rails (29) comprise guide means (31) of the rails (29) in transverse direction and drive means (32) of the lateral slides along the guide means (31), with locking in position, in particular in opposite directions for the two slides (29). 21) Device according to claim 20, characterized in that the support means (30) of the side rails (29) comprise transverse threaded shafts (33) carried by the frame (7); on which are mounted the side rails (29) by threaded holes (34); and a motor (35) for driving the threaded shafts (33) controlled by the selection means; the threaded shafts (33) being located below the sliding plane Q of the cutouts (1). 22) Device according to any one of claims 7 to 21, characterized in that the means for selecting the operating magazine (2) and the means for selecting the operating transfer means (4) also acting on the lateral means for longitudinal guide (28) are controlled by means of selecting a group of cuts, manual or automatic according to a program or in response to the request of a packaging machine (37) with which the device is associated. 23) Installation for packaging contents in containers made up of cases, boxes, cases, produced from blanks comprising a device for distributing individually and horizontally blanks stored horizontally in a plurality of vertical stacks forming a same plurality of homogeneous groups of cuts (1 '); and a packaging machine (37) comprising a device for constituting the container from the distributed blank and for wrapping the content with the container comprising a second means for conveying the blank or the container respectively (38) consisting of second means longitudinal drive (39) and second lateral longitudinal guide means (40), characterized in that the device for distributing cutouts individually and horizontally is according to any one of claims 7 to 22; this device is located upstream of the packaging machine (37), the first and second conveyor means (5, 38) being an extension of each other, the spacing between the first and second lateral guide means longitudinal (28, 40) being identical. 24) Packaging installation according to claim 23, characterized in that the second lateral longitudinal guide means (40) are of adjustable transverse spacing. 25) Packaging installation according to any one of claims 23 and 24, characterized in that the device for dispensing the cutouts comprises means for retracting the tabs at the downstream end of the first longitudinal sliding drive means.

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