EP0618134A1 - Procédé et dispositif pour ensacher des couvercles pour récipients - Google Patents

Procédé et dispositif pour ensacher des couvercles pour récipients Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0618134A1
EP0618134A1 EP94100583A EP94100583A EP0618134A1 EP 0618134 A1 EP0618134 A1 EP 0618134A1 EP 94100583 A EP94100583 A EP 94100583A EP 94100583 A EP94100583 A EP 94100583A EP 0618134 A1 EP0618134 A1 EP 0618134A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bag
container ends
container
assembly
subassembly
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP94100583A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Howard Curtis Chasteen
Russell Wayne Harrington
John Robert Dechant
Timothy John Faber
Kenneth Eugene Weltlich
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ball Corp
Original Assignee
Ball Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ball Corp filed Critical Ball Corp
Publication of EP0618134A1 publication Critical patent/EP0618134A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
    • B65B7/02—Closing containers or receptacles deformed by, or taking-up shape, of, contents, e.g. bags, sacks
    • B65B7/06—Closing containers or receptacles deformed by, or taking-up shape, of, contents, e.g. bags, sacks by collapsing mouth portion, e.g. to form a single flap
    • B65B7/08—Closing containers or receptacles deformed by, or taking-up shape, of, contents, e.g. bags, sacks by collapsing mouth portion, e.g. to form a single flap and folding
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B39/00—Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers
    • B65B39/06—Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers adapted to support containers or wrappers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
    • B65B5/06—Packaging groups of articles, the groups being treated as single articles
    • B65B5/067—Packaging groups of articles, the groups being treated as single articles in bags

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to the production of containers and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus which enhances one or more aspects of the bagging of container ends for distribution.
  • containers are typically manufactured in at least two parts: a container body and at least one container end.
  • the container body may be drawn and ironed such that only a single container end is required (two-piece container), or the container body may be formed by rolling a stamped sheet into cylindrical form and welding the seam such that two container ends are required (three-piece container).
  • container manufacturers typically separately supply large quantities of container bodies and container ends to customers who introduce substances into the container bodies and subsequently attach the container end(s) to the container body.
  • a predetermined number or "stick" of container ends are typically packaged by the manufacturer in face-to-face relation in cylindrical bags having a diameter slightly greater than the container ends for shipment to the customer.
  • the container end bagging process is generally initiated by counting and separating a stick of container ends and such has been automated to some degree in many existing systems.
  • many devices still require one or more manual operations.
  • such operations include manually removing one of the container ends from the stick as a sample, manually positioning a bag onto/over a loading horn, manually inserting the stick of container ends into the bag, manually closing the open end of the bag, and manually securing the closed portion for shipment.
  • devices incorporating one or more of these types of manual procedures can entail significant labor costs.
  • many aspects of these types of manual operations, and particularly including the manual folding and securing of the bags involves repetitive movements, potentially resulting in lost worker time and related costs.
  • devices are available for retrieving an empty bag and/or transporting such to a bagging station for receipt of container ends.
  • devices are available for holding the bag in an open condition for receiving a stick of container ends.
  • devices are available for receiving a continuous flow of container ends in a trough, counting a stick of container ends, separating the stick from the continuous flow, and thereafter automatically transporting the stick of container ends into the bag.
  • devices are available for closing the bag after the container ends are positioned therein.
  • U.S. Patent Nos are U.S. Patent Nos.
  • the present invention is embodied in an assembly particularly adapted to automatically separate a stick of container ends from a flow of container ends, insert the stick of container ends into an open bag, and fold the open end of the bag into a closed and secured state for subsequent distribution.
  • the assembly generally includes a plurality of operatively interconnected subassemblies, each of which contributes in some respect to automating the process of bagging container ends to achieve one or more of the above-identified objectives.
  • the container end bagging assembly may incorporate a bag opening and retaining subassembly which opens and retains the bag in a position for receiving container ends.
  • a bag removing device may operatively interface with the bag opening and retaining subassembly by moving the bag into position for activation of the bag opening and retaining assembly after the bag is removed from the magazine.
  • the bag opening and retaining subassembly includes a base portion having an orifice extending therethrough which is defined by a surface for interfacing with an exterior surface of the bag. When the bag is appropriately positioned at least partially within the orifice, the coinciding portion of the bag is engaged with the interfacing surface of the orifice to open the bag for receiving container ends.
  • At least one port may be provided on the interfacing surface and connected to a suction source to draw the exterior surface of the bag into engagement with the interfacing surface of the orifice.
  • the ports not only serve to open the bag, but may also be employed to maintain the open end of the bag in this position while receiving container ends (e.g., the bag may be maintained in an open condition without having any device, such as a sleeve or horn, positioned within the open end of the bag).
  • a channel may be provided on the interfacing surface and such may be shaped to match/approximate the contour of the outer edge of the open end of the bag, or at least a portion thereof, so that the edge of the bag is retained within the channel while ends are positioned in the bag.
  • a nozzle may also be incorporated into the subassembly for directing a stream of gas, or other appropriate medium, toward the open end of an approaching empty bag to at least assist the suction ports in the initial opening of the bag.
  • container ends may be provided to the bag.
  • a number of subassemblies may be incorporated to contribute to the actual positioning of the container ends into the bag.
  • the container end bagging assembly may incorporate a trough(s) (e.g., a substantially U-shaped member) for directing/guiding the container ends toward the bag and a displacing subassembly for advancing the ends along the trough.
  • a flow of container ends are provided to the trough and a counter identifies a predetermined number of container ends flowing into the trough past a certain location and such container ends are separated (e.g., by a separating device) from the flow for provision to the bag.
  • a sampling subassembly for automatically removing one of the ends from the stick.
  • the sampling subassembly includes a gripping member moveable by a moving device between a first position and a second position adjacent the stick of can ends. When in the second position, the gripping member is capable of engaging a can end(s) in the stick (e.g., by suction).
  • the moving device is actuated to move the gripping member from the first position to the second position such that the gripping member may engage a can ends(s) in the stick. Subsequent movement of the gripping device back to the first position results in removal of the can end(s) from the stick.
  • a displacing subassembly is provided to move the separated container ends along the trough towards the bag. More particularly, a displacing member is advanced through a portion of the trough from a position out of the path of the container ends to a position where the displacing member is at least partially in the path after the ends have advanced thereby (i.e., the displacing member is positioned upstream of the last of the separated container ends). The displacing member may subsequently be horizontally advanced downstream to engage the last container end and further advanced to position the stick into the bag through its open end.
  • the displacing member By locating the displacing member out of the path when not in use (e.g., vertically below the trough), visual and mechanical access to the container ends during the counting, separating, and/or sampling stages is enhanced.
  • the displacing member may be contoured to actually form part of the trough. That is, the displacing member may form a portion of the trough such that, after a stick has been separated from the flow, the displacing member can move vertically through the trough, horizontally to contact the end of the stick, and further horizontally to displace the stick into the bag.
  • the assembly may further incorporate a compressing subassembly to maintain the ends in a compressed, or upright, condition prior to closure of the bag.
  • This particular subassembly may include at least two pawl members which are each engageable with side portions of the bag.
  • the pawl members are in a first position displaced from the sides of the bag.
  • the pawl members are movable to a second position to exert a force on the perimeter of the container ends passing thereby (through engagement with the side portions of the bag).
  • the pawl members may be resiliently biased toward this second position.
  • the pawl members may also be configured to allow the container ends to flow into the bag, but prevent such from moving in the opposite direction and out of the bag.
  • the pawl members may be disposed for further inward advancement generally toward a central axis of the bag after the last container end has passed thereby (e.g. due to the biasing force) so as to retain the ends within the bag until properly sealed.
  • the pawl members may subsequently be movable back to the first position where the pawl members are displaced from the sides of the bag to allow for removal of the bag from the assembly.
  • the pawl members can be rigidly mounted on moving devices (e.g., air cylinders). Similar to the previous configuration, the pawl members are positionable in a first position displaced from the sides of the bag. In this configuration, however, the pawls are not moved to the second position until the last container end has passed thereby. In the second position, the pawls retain the ends within the bag until properly sealed. The pawls may subsequently be movable back to the first position to allow for removal of the filled bag from the assembly.
  • moving devices e.g., air cylinders
  • the compressing subassembly may also incorporate a compressing device for applying a compressive force to the leading end of the stick of ends within the bag, and such is preferably used in combination with a displacing member and the above-described pawl members.
  • the compressing device is positioned downstream of the pawl members adjacent the closed end of the bag such that, when the leading end of the stick reaches the closed end of the bag, the compressing device is positioned to engage the leading end of the stick (through engagement with the closed end of the bag). Further downstream displacement of the stick (e.g., by the displacing member) causes the bag to disengage from the bag opening and retaining subassembly, resulting in compression of the compressing device.
  • the compressing device consequently applies an opposing force on the leading end of the stick generally directed upstream toward the displacing member.
  • the displacing member continues to push the stick of ends until the trailing end of the stick is pushed beyond the pawl members, at which time the displacing member retracts and the pawl members hold the stick in place, as described above.
  • the container ends are maintained in a compressed condition between the compressing device and the pawl members.
  • the assembly may incorporate a folding subassembly to further automate the bagging process.
  • the folding subassembly effectively requires the bag to be longer than the stick of container ends such that there is an occupied portion of the bag (i.e. defined by the presence of the stick) and an empty portion of the bag proximately coinciding with the open end of the bag.
  • the folding subassembly engages opposing sides of at least part of the empty portion to fold such over onto another part of the bag to close the bag in preparation for shipment.
  • the fold may also be onto a part of the empty portion of the bag.
  • One configuration of the folding subassembly which folds in the described manner includes two members positionable to coincide with opposing sides at least part of the empty portion of the bag.
  • a pivoting device is provided for pivoting one of the members substantially about the other member to fold at least part of the empty portion of the bag into overlapping relation with another part of the bag.
  • the folding subassembly includes a clamping device for clamping at least part of the empty portion of the bag and a device for moving a first part of the empty portion of the bag most adjacent the open end into overlapping relation with another part of the bag.
  • the clamping device includes two fingers movable with respect to each other between a spaced relationship and a clamped relationship. When properly positioned on opposing sides of the empty portion of the bag in the spaced relationship, the two fingers are automatically moved into the clamped relationship to close the bag by a clamping-type action.
  • the device for moving a part of the empty portion of the bag may further desirably include a third finger displaced from the co-acting first and second fingers and such may be positionable to coincide with at least a portion of the first part of the bag.
  • the third finger may be mounted on a rotating device such that actuation of the rotating device pivots the third finger (e.g. about the clamping device) and subsequently overlaps the first part of the bag onto another part of the bag.
  • the clamping device can further be mounted on the rotating device such that rotation of the rotating device results in pivoting of all three fingers simultaneously.
  • an assembly 30 is generally illustrated in Figures 1-2 for bagging container ends.
  • the direction of flow of the container ends will be termed the "downstream direction” and corresponds with movement from right to left in Figures 1-2.
  • the opposite direction will be termed the “upstream direction” and corresponds with movement from left to right in Figures 1-2.
  • the "flow of container ends” refers to the plurality of container ends in face-to-face relation before being counted and separated.
  • a “stick” refers to a counted and separated group of container ends.
  • the “path of container ends” refers to the volume of space which, at some moment during the bagging process, is occupied by the stick of container ends and generally corresponds with the interior of the trough 32.
  • the end bagging assembly 30 includes a trough 32 which receives a flow of container ends 34 in face-to-face relation and directs a stick 36 in the downstream direction toward the bag opening and retaining subassembly 90 (see Figs. 1-2).
  • a bag removing subassembly 50 positioned downstream from the trough 32, removes an empty bag 38 from the bottom of a stack 64 of bags 38 contained within a bag magazine 52 and transports the bag 38 toward a bag opening and retaining subassembly 90 (see Figs. 3a-d).
  • the bag opening and retaining subassembly 90 receives the open end of the bag 40 from the bag removing subassembly 50, opens the open end of the bag 40, and retains the bag 38 in the opened condition such that the stick 36 can be inserted therein (see Figs. 7a-d).
  • a counting device 110 counts a predetermined number of container ends passing the counting device 110 and generates a signal in response thereto (see Figs. 1-2).
  • This signal is provided to a separating device 120 which separates the stick of container ends 36 from the flow of container ends 34 in response to the signal from the counting device 110.
  • the separating device 120 is also designed to be transportable in the downstream direction to provide a gap between the stick 36 and the flow of container ends 34 and may even partially insert the stick 36 into the bag 38 if desired.
  • a sampling subassembly is provided for removing at least one container end from the stick for quality control purposes (see Figs. 9a-c).
  • a displacing subassembly 150 utilizing a displacing member 152, displaces the stick 36 all the way into the bag 38 (see Figs. 10a-c).
  • compressing subassembly 170 compresses the stick 36 in the bag 38 and holds the stick 36 in a compressed, upright position in the bag 38 (see Figs. 15a-c).
  • a folding subassembly 200 positioned between the compressing subassembly 170 and the bag retaining subassembly 90, closes the open end of the bag 40 by a clamping and a pivoting-like action to fold the bags 38 closed (see Figs. 19a-d).
  • each of the various subassemblies will be described with more detail below. Although it may be desirable to incorporate each subassembly into a given bagging process, since the various subassemblies each contribute in some respect to the end bagging process, they may also be individually incorporated in existing devices to enhance their operational characteristics.
  • the end bagging assembly 30 generally takes a flow of container ends 34 and transports a predetermined number thereof to a bag.
  • the assembly 30 includes a trough 32 as illustrated in Figures 1-2 and allows for the transport of a plurality of container ends in an upright, face-to-face relation in a downstream direction.
  • the trough is substantially semicircular or U-shaped as illustrated in Figures 12a-12b.
  • the trough 32 extends substantially linearly from the counting device 110 to the bag opening and retaining subassembly 90 and defines a flow path for the container ends.
  • the trough 32 does not necessarily have to be linear, and multiple trough arrangements may be utilized when incorporating one or more aspects of the present invention.
  • a linear configuration for the trough provides for a degree of simplicity and this configuration may be advantageous for interfacing with one or more of the various subassemblies.
  • the bag removing subassembly 50 is positioned downstream of the trough 32 and comprises a bag magazine 52 which holds a stack of empty bags 64.
  • the bag removing subassembly 50 includes a suction device 70 for pulling an empty bag 38 from the bottom of the stack 64.
  • the magazine 52 includes a bottom portion 54, a front wall 56, and two side walls 60 forming a rectangular box-like structure dimensioned to receive a stack 64 of collapsed bags.
  • the top 62 of the magazine 52 is open so that the supply of bags can be replenished to the magazine 52 during operation of the assembly 30.
  • a longitudinally-extending cut-out portion 66 is provided in the bottom portion 54 of the magazine 52 to provide access to the bottom of the stack 64 by the suction device 70.
  • the suction device 70 includes suction cups 72 mounted on a support 73.
  • the support 73 is mounted on vertical cylinders 74 which are further mounted on a horizontal cylinder 76.
  • the portion of the trough 32 between the bag removing subassembly 50 and the bag opening and retaining subassembly 90 is provided with a longitudinally-extending slot 78 to allow for the movement of the suction cups 72 from the bag removing subassembly 50 to the bag opening and retaining subassembly 90 (see Figure 14).
  • the operation of the bag removing subassembly 50 is as follows.
  • a bag sensor 84 senses that a bag 38 is needed by the assembly 30
  • the bag sensor 84 sends a signal to a control circuit (not shown) via a bag sensor interconnect 86.
  • the control circuit starts operation of the assembly 30. All further reference to movement and timing of assembly components are controlled by the control circuit.
  • the vertical cylinders 74 raise the suction cups 72 through the cut-out portion 66 of the magazine 52 into engagement with the bottom bag 38 of the stack 64, as shown in Figure 3b. Suction is applied at the suction cups 72 such that engagement with the bottom bag 38 in the magazine 52 is maintained.
  • the bag 38 is transported toward a bag opening and retaining subassembly 90.
  • the bag removing subassembly 50 may actually advance the bag 38 to the desired position.
  • the bag opening and retaining subassembly 90 is positioned at the downstream end of the trough 32 as illustrated in Figures 5-8.
  • the bag opening and retaining subassembly 90 includes a base portion 92 positioned in the path of the container ends 34 and having an orifice 94 extending therethrough.
  • the orifice 94 is cylindrically shaped with a diameter approximately equal to the "diameter" of the bag 38.
  • the orifice 94 is positioned coaxially with the trough 32 such that the transition from the trough 32 to the orifice 94 is relatively unobstructed, thus allowing for smooth travel of the container ends from the trough 32 into the orifice 94.
  • the interior surface 96 of the orifice 94 is provided with a channel 98 having a rectangular cross section as is best shown in Figure 8.
  • the cross section of the channel could be any of a multitude of shapes, such as triangular, semi-circular or any other shape that provides an adequate recess.
  • the channel 98 is also circumferential such that it substantially follows/approximates the contour of the edge 42 of the open end of the bag 40 when the bag 38 is fully opened.
  • the bottom of the channel 104 is provided with a plurality of vacuum ports 100 spaced in circumferential relation around the channel and such are used to open and/or retain the bag 38 in an opened position for receiving a stick of ends 36.
  • the vacuum ports 100 are operatively connected to a vacuum generating device (not shown) such that suction can be created in the channel 98.
  • the bag opening and retaining subassembly 90 may further include an air nozzle 102 for directing a flow of pressurized air or other appropriate fluid medium in a downstream direction toward the open end of the bag 40 from the bag opening and retaining subassembly 90.
  • the air nozzle 102 is operatively connected to an air compression device (not shown) and are positioned such that, at the appropriate time, pressurized air can be blown toward an approaching collapsed bag 38 in such a manner that the collapsed bag 38 is forced partially open due to the entrance of the pressurized air into the open end of the bag 40. It should be appreciated that the activation of the air nozzle 102 could also occur after the bag 38 has entered the orifice 94. In such a situation, the air nozzle 102 could be located on the interior surface 96 of the orifice 94.
  • the bag opening and retaining subassembly 90 is designed to receive a collapsed bag 38 from the suction device 70 as shown in Figure 7a.
  • the sensor 84 detects the presence of the bag 38 and instructs the air nozzle 102 to direct pressurized air toward the open end of the bag 40. The result is that the pressurized air enters and partially opens the open end of the bag 40 as shown in Figure 7b.
  • the bag 38 is further transported upstream into the orifice 94 until the leading edge 42 of the open end of the bag 40 is aligned with the channel 98 as shown in Figure 7c. At this point, the bag 38 is stopped and suction is created in the channel 98 as described above.
  • the suction in the channel 98 causes the open end of the bag 40 to be pulled radially into the channel 98 as shown in Figure 7d. It can be appreciated that by retaining the leading edge 42 of the open end of the bag 40 in the channel 98 as shown in Figure 8, there is a reduced likelihood that the container ends will snag on the open end of the bag 40 as the container ends are being inserted into the bag 38. Also, the use of a channel 98 accommodates for a slight variance in the diameter of the bag 38. In addition, since the bag opening and retaining subassembly 90 is pneumatically operated, there are less moving parts than the prior art devices, resulting in a more reliable, more compact, and less expensive subassembly. Furthermore, since no internal guide or horn needs to be inserted into the bag 38 prior to insertion of the container ends, the bag 38 can be opened to a larger effective diameter, thus providing for easier insertion of the container ends into the bag 38.
  • a counting device 110 is positioned near the upstream portion of the trough 32 in the path of the flow of container ends 34.
  • the counting device 110 is designed to count the container ends as they pass through/by the counting device 110. After a predetermined number of container ends have been counted, the counting device 110 sends a signal to the separating device 120.
  • the separating device 120 is designed to physically separate the predetermined number of container ends from the flow of container ends 34 in response to the signal from the counting device 110.
  • the separating device 120 includes a movably mounted wedge portion 122 mounted on a horizontal cylinder 124 for movement in the downstream and upstream directions.
  • the wedge portion 122 is initially positioned adjacent the counting device 110.
  • the separating device 120 receives the signal from the counting device 110 indicating that a predetermined number of container ends have passed the counting device 110, the wedge portion 122 is automatically inserted into the path of the container ends such that a stick of container ends 36 is separated from the flow of container ends 34.
  • the separating device 120 subsequently transports the wedge portion 122 downstream by way of the horizontal cylinder 124 while simultaneously sensing (e.g., through the bag sensor 84) if a bag 38 has been positioned in the bag retaining subassembly 90.
  • the separating device 120 will stop at an intermediate location such that the stick 36 is between the counting device 110 and the bag retaining subassembly 90 until a signal from the bag sensor 84 indicates that a bag 38 is properly positioned. If a bag 38 is properly positioned, the separating device 120 will transport the stick of container ends 36 to the point where the upstream end of the stick 126 is positioned at the load line 128, as shown in Figure 9.
  • the counting and separating devices 110, 120 are described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,163,073 to Chasteen, issued November 10, 1992, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • a sampling subassembly 140 is positioned above the load line 128 as illustrated in Figures 9a-9c.
  • the sampling subassembly 140 includes a rotary actuator 142 operatively connected to a shaft 144 and to one end of a sampling arm 146. On the other end of the sampling arm 146 there is mounted a suction cup 148 operatively connected to a suction device (not shown).
  • a sampling sensor 149 and sensor interconnect 147 are also provided for monitoring whether a sample has been taken.
  • the sampling subassembly 140 receives a signal from an appropriate detector/sensor (not shown) indicating that a sample should be taken.
  • the rotary actuator 142 rotates the shaft 144, and consequently the arm 146 and the suction cup 148, 180° from the resting position as shown in Figure 9a, to the engaging position as shown in Figure 9b.
  • the suction cup 148 is positioned within the trough 32 adjacent the upstream end 126 of the stick 36.
  • the suction cup 148 engages the last container end 45 of the stick 36.
  • the rotary actuator 142 rotates the shaft 144 (and the arm 146 and suction cup 148) back to the resting position.
  • the human operator of the assembly 30 can subsequently remove the container end 45 from the suction cup 148 without having to reach into the trough 32 and risk injury.
  • the sampling sensor 149 can detect whether the operator has removed the container end 45 from the suction cup 148. If the operator forgets to remove the end 45, the sensor 149 will not allow the stick to be loaded into the bag 38. In addition, the sensor 149 can send a signal to a visual or auditory alarm to inform the operator that the end 45 must be removed from the suction cup 148 before the process can continue.
  • the displacing subassembly 150 positioned upstream of the bag opening and retaining subassembly 90.
  • the displacing subassembly 150 includes a displacing member 152 having a base portion 154 and an arm portion 156 extending downstream from the base portion 154.
  • the displacing member 152 is mounted on a vertical cylinder 164 which is further mounted on a horizontal cylinder 166. As shown in Figures 10a and 12a, when the displacing member 152 is in the at-rest position it is positioned "flush" with or below the trough 32.
  • the trough 32 is provided with a cut-out portion 158, thus allowing for vertical movement of the displacing member 152 from the at-rest position to a raised position (as shown in Figures 10b and 12b) through the trough 32.
  • the top surface 160 of the displacing member 152 may be contoured to generally match/approximate the interior surface 162 of the trough 32 and positioned such that the top surface 160 is aligned (flush) with the interior surface 162 of the trough 32 when the displacing member 152 is in the at-rest position, as shown in Figure 12a.
  • This configuration provides a displacing member 152 that forms a portion of the trough 32, thus providing a smooth path along the trough 32 when the displacing member 152 is in the at-rest position.
  • the positioning of the displacing member 152 such that is passes through a portion of the trough 32 reduces space limitations, and reduces the potential for injury to the operator, particularly when positioned vertically below the trough 32.
  • the displacing member 152 In operation, upon receiving a signal from the sampling sensor 149 indicating that a sample has been removed from the stick 36, the displacing member 152 is moved from the at-rest position (Figs. 10a and 12a) to the raised position (Figs. 10b and 12b) by the vertical cylinder 164. When the displacing member 152 is in the raised position, the arm portion 156 extends downstream in the path of the container ends 36.
  • the horizontal cylinder 166 provides for downstream displacement of the displacing member 152 such that the arm portion 156 contacts the stick of container ends 36 and forces the stick into the bag 38 (Fig. 10c).
  • the arm portion 156 In the fully displaced position, the arm portion 156 extends through the orifice 94 of the bag opening and retaining subassembly 90 and beyond the pawl members 182, 184 of the compressing subassembly 170 as further described herein.
  • the displacing member 152 is retracted in the raised position and then lowered to the at-rest position so that the next stick of container ends 36 can be separated and transported to the load line 128.
  • a compressing subassembly 170 positioned downstream of the bag opening and retaining subassembly 90 as shown in Figures 13-15.
  • the compressing subassembly 170 includes a retaining device 172 and a compression spring device 190.
  • the retaining device 172 is designed to maintain the container ends in a substantially upright position after the container ends have been inserted beyond the retaining device 172 by the displacing member 152.
  • the retaining device 172 prevents the container ends from moving upstream, thus providing a counteracting force against which the compression spring device 190 can act to compress the container ends within the bag 38, as further described herein.
  • the retaining device 172 includes first and second support members 174, 176 positioned on opposite sides of the bag support members 78 with enough space between them to allow for the insertion of the stick of ends 36 into the bag 38.
  • the first and second support members 174, 176 are mounted on transverse cylinders 178 such that, by activating and deactivating the cylinders, the first and second support members 174, 176 are movable from a first position, shown in Figure 15a, to a second position, shown in Figures 15b and 15c.
  • the support members 174, 176 are each provided with a recessed portion 180 into which first and second pawl members 182, 184 are pivotally mounted on pins 186 to allow pivoting of the pawl members 182, 184 from a retracted position, as shown in Figure 15b, to a latched position, as shown in Figure 15c.
  • Springs 188 are provided for biasing the pawl members 182, 184 toward the latched position.
  • a mass sensor 189, and sensor interconnect 187 are further provided for detecting the presence of container ends in the bag 38.
  • the support members 174, 176 are in the first position when no container ends are being inserted into the bag 38 as shown in Figure 15a.
  • the transverse cylinders 178 are actuated to move the support members 174, 176 to the second position, as shown in Figure 15b.
  • the pawl members 182, 184 contact and apply a slight compressive force on the outside of the bag 38 as the container ends are being inserted into the bag 38.
  • the pawl members 182, 184 rotate/pivot into the latched position due to the biasing force of the springs 188.
  • the pawl members 182, 184 maintain the container ends in the upright position and prevent them from moving upstream, as shown in Figure 15c.
  • the pawl members 182, 184 are rigidly (e.g. not rotatably) mounted to the transverse cylinders 178, as shown in Figure 16.
  • the transverse cylinders 178 would not be activated until all of the stick 36 has been inserted beyond the pawl members 182, 184.
  • Activation of the transverse cylinders 178 would cause the pawl members 182, 184 to be inserted into the flow path of the stick 36 to maintain the container ends in the upright position and prevent them from moving upstream.
  • a compression spring device 190 is positioned downstream from the retaining device 172.
  • the compression spring device 190 includes a longitudinal rod 192 positioned at the downstream end of the bag supporting members 78 in axial alignment with the trough 32 as illustrated in Figures 13-14.
  • the rod 192 is slidably mounted on a support member 194 which is further mounted onto a support beam 195.
  • the support beam 195 can be mounted off the front wall 56 of the bag magazine 52. The sliding interaction between the rod 192 and the support member 194 allows the rod 192 to slide in the downstream and upstream directions.
  • a compression plate 196 is mounted on the upstream end of the rod 192 and a compression spring 198 connects the support member 194 to the compression plate 196 such that the rod 192 and compression plate 196 are biased in the upstream direction.
  • the compression device 190 could alternatively comprise an air cylinder instead of the rod 192/support member 194/spring 198 combination, or any other device capable of applying the required compressive force on the stick 36.
  • the compression spring device 190 In operation, as the stick of ends 36 is being inserted into the bag 38, the compression spring device 190 is in the fully biased/extended position as shown in Figure 15a. Once the stick of container ends 36 reaches the closed end of the bag 44, the bag 38 is fully opened and the closed end of the bag 44 is in contact with the compression plate 196. At this point, the upstream end 126 of the stick 36 has not yet reached or at least completely passed by the pawl members 182, 184. Further downstream movement of the container ends by the displacing member 152 forces the bag 38 out of engagement with the bag opening and retaining subassembly 90 and compresses the compression spring device 190 to apply a compressive force on the stick 36 within the bag 38, as is best shown in Figures 10c and 15c. When the upstream end 126 of the stick 36 reaches the retaining device 172, the pawl members 182, 184 rotate to the latched position and hold the container ends in an upright, compressed orientation.
  • the folding subassembly 200 for closing the open end of the bag 40 after the stick 36 has been fully inserted into the bag 38.
  • the folding subassembly 200 includes a gripping device 202 having first and second fingers 204, 206 movable with respect to each other from a spaced relationship, as shown in Fig. 19a, to a clamped relationship, as shown in Figure 19b.
  • the gripping device 202 is mounted on a rotating device 210, thus allowing for rotation of the gripping device 202 generally about a certain point or axis.
  • the rotating device 210 is further mounted on a linear cylinder 212 such that the rotating device 210 and gripping device 202 can be linearly moved from a retracted position to an extended position, as shown in Figures 17a and 17b, respectively.
  • the gripping device 202 further includes a third finger 208 positioned upstream of, and operatively connected to, the second finger 206 such that the third finger 208 moves with the second finger 206 from a spaced relationship to a clamped relationship.
  • the folding subassembly 200 is in the retracted position, as shown in Figure 17a, until the container ends are fully inserted into the bag 38 and the displacing member 192 is retracted.
  • a signal is sent by an appropriate sensor/detector (not shown) to start the folding operation.
  • the linear cylinder 212 is actuated to extend the rotating device 210 and gripping device 202 to the extended position as shown in Figure 17b.
  • the first and second fingers 204, 206 are positioned on opposing sides of the open end of the bag 40 and the third finger 208 is positioned upstream of the second finger 206 adjacent the open end of the bag 40 as is best shown in Figure 19a.
  • the gripping device 202 is then actuated to move the fingers 204, 206, 208 from the spaced relationship, as shown in Figure 19a, to the clamped relationship, as shown in Figure 19b. Subsequent actuation of the rotating device 210 results in the gripping device 202 being rotated substantially about the first finger 204 until the third finger 208 forces the open end of the bag 40 into overlapping relation with the filled portion of the bag 38 as shown in Figures 19c and 19d.
  • the folding subassembly 200 can then be linearly retracted. Because the third finger 208 is longer than the first and second fingers 204, 206, the third finger 208 maintains contact with the folded portion of the bag 40 after the folding subassembly 200 has been linearly retracted.
  • the third finger 208 is flexible to accommodate removal of the folded bag 38 from above, if desired. After removal of the folded bag 38, the folding subassembly 200 is rotated back to the starting position until the next stick of container ends 36 has been fully inserted into the bag 38.
  • the operation of the assembly 30 begins by removing a bag 38 from the magazine 52 and transporting the bag 38 to the bag opening and retaining subassembly 90.
  • the bag sensor 84 senses that a bag 38 is needed by the assembly 30
  • the suction cups 72 are raised through the cut-out portion 66 of the magazine 52 and into engagement with the bottom bag 38 of the stack 64.
  • the suction cups 72 are then lowered to remove and subsequently transport the bag 38 upstream toward the bag opening and retaining subassembly 90.
  • the sensor 84 detects the presence of the open end of the bag 40 and instructs the air nozzles 102 to direct pressurized air at the open end of the bag 40.
  • the result is that the pressurized air enters and partially opens the open end of the bag 40, as shown in Figure 7b.
  • the bag 38 is further transported upstream into the orifice 94 until the leading edge 42 of the open end of the bag 40 is aligned with the channel 98, as shown in Figure 7c. Suction created in the channel 98 causes the leading edge 42 of the open end of the bag 40 to be pulled radially into the channel 98, as shown in Figure 7d.
  • the counting device 110 is counting the container ends. After a predetermined number of container ends have been counted, the counting device 110 sends a signal to the separating device 120, telling it to insert the wedge portion 122 into the path of the container ends such that a stick of container ends 36 is separated from the flow of container ends 34. Upon receiving a signal from the bag sensor 84 indicating that a bag 38 is installed in the bag retaining subassembly 90, the separating device transports the stick 36 downstream until the upstream end of the stick 126 is positioned at the load line 128 in Figure 1.
  • the separating device retracts and the sampling subassembly 140 is actuated to rotate the sampling arm 146 180° to the engaging position shown in Figure 9b.
  • the suction cup 148 is positioned within the trough 32 such that the last container end of the stick 36 is engaged by the suction cup 148.
  • the sampling arm 146 is rotated back to the resting position where the human operator of the assembly 30 can remove the sample from the suction cup 148.
  • the sampling sensor 149 will not allow the stick 36 to be inserted fully into the bag until the sample has been removed from the suction cup 148 by the operator.
  • the displacing member 152 Upon receiving a signal from the sampling sensor 149 indicating that a sample has been removed from the stick 36, the displacing member 152 is moved from the at-rest position to the raised position as shown in Figure 10b. The displacing member 152 is subsequently transported downstream such that the arm portion 156 contacts the stick of container ends 36 and forces the stick 36 into the bag 38. A mass sensor 189 detects the presence of the container ends in the bag 38, resulting in the support members 174, 176 being moved from the first position, shown in Figure 15a, to the second position, shown in Figure 15b. Once the stick of ends 36 reaches the closed end of the bag 44 as shown in Figure 15b, the bag 38 is fully opened and the closed end of the bag 44 is in contact with the compression plate 196.
  • the linear cylinder 212 Upon receiving a signal from an appropriate sensor/detector (not shown) indicating that the displacing member 152 is retracted, the linear cylinder 212 is actuated to extend the rotating device 210 and gripping device 202 to the extended position as shown in Figure 17b.
  • the gripping device 202 is then actuated to move the fingers 204, 206, 208 from the spaced relationship, as shown in Figure 19a, to the clamped relationship, as shown in Figure 19b.
  • Subsequent actuation of the rotating device 210 results in the gripping device 202 being rotated about the first finger 204 until the third finger 208 forces the open end of the bag 40 into overlapping relation with the filled portion of the bag 38 as shown in Figures 19c and 19d.
  • the folding subassembly 200 is then linearly retracted while still in the fully-rotated position.
  • the filled and folded bag 38 may subsequently be removed from the trough 32 by any appropriate means (e.g., manually).
  • the bag sensor 84 sensing that no bag is present, sends a signal to the bag removing subassembly 50 to start the process again from the start.
  • each of the above-described subassemblies contribute in some respect to the end bagging process. Consequently, each of such subassemblies may be separately incorporated into a given end bagging process. However, as indicated above, such subassemblies may desirably interact and/or operatively interface in a manner which further contributes to the overall end bagging process.
  • the invention may be summarized as follows:

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
  • Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)
  • Containers And Plastic Fillers For Packaging (AREA)
EP94100583A 1993-02-26 1994-01-17 Procédé et dispositif pour ensacher des couvercles pour récipients Withdrawn EP0618134A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US2334193A 1993-02-26 1993-02-26
US23341 1993-02-26

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0618134A1 true EP0618134A1 (fr) 1994-10-05

Family

ID=21814527

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP94100583A Withdrawn EP0618134A1 (fr) 1993-02-26 1994-01-17 Procédé et dispositif pour ensacher des couvercles pour récipients

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0618134A1 (fr)
JP (1) JPH06321203A (fr)
CA (1) CA2113780A1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016088079A1 (fr) * 2014-12-04 2016-06-09 Rexam Beverage Can South America S.A. Procédé de gestion d'un ensemble de couvercles empilés et insérés dans un emballage, dispositif de transport pour ensemble formé de couvercles empilés et insérés dans un emballage, et système de production d'ensembles de couvercles palettisés
WO2017021928A2 (fr) * 2015-08-06 2017-02-09 Pulsar S.R.L. Appareil permettant d'emballer un produit dans un emballage préformé respectif
US20170349310A1 (en) * 2014-12-04 2017-12-07 Rexam Beverage Can South America S.A. Method of packaging a set of stacked lids and packaging device for sets of stacked lids
CN109080885A (zh) * 2018-07-23 2018-12-25 上海艾鲲新材料科技有限公司 一种管件自动装箱系统及管件装箱方法
CN109178444A (zh) * 2018-09-06 2019-01-11 苏州凯磊胜自动化科技有限公司 一种笔芯自动化装瓶装置及装瓶方法

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8490367B2 (en) 2008-03-03 2013-07-23 H.W.J. Designs For Agribusiness, Inc. Bagging assembly
AU2013234888B2 (en) 2012-03-22 2016-04-21 H.W.J. Designs For Agribusiness, Inc. Strap welding system and method

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1017482A (fr) * 1949-04-06 1952-12-11 Sapal Plieuses Automatiques Dispositif d'alimentation pour machine automatique d'emballage
US2643496A (en) * 1947-03-15 1953-06-30 William S Cloud Enclosing articles in tubular wrappers
GB855174A (en) * 1957-07-29 1960-11-30 Arenco Ltd Improvements in or relating to packaging machinery
US3878945A (en) * 1973-04-16 1975-04-22 Fleetwood Syst Inc Method and apparatus for counting and packaging can ends
US5070677A (en) * 1991-02-20 1991-12-10 Ray Hicks Automated photographic print bagger

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2643496A (en) * 1947-03-15 1953-06-30 William S Cloud Enclosing articles in tubular wrappers
FR1017482A (fr) * 1949-04-06 1952-12-11 Sapal Plieuses Automatiques Dispositif d'alimentation pour machine automatique d'emballage
GB855174A (en) * 1957-07-29 1960-11-30 Arenco Ltd Improvements in or relating to packaging machinery
US3878945A (en) * 1973-04-16 1975-04-22 Fleetwood Syst Inc Method and apparatus for counting and packaging can ends
US5070677A (en) * 1991-02-20 1991-12-10 Ray Hicks Automated photographic print bagger

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016088079A1 (fr) * 2014-12-04 2016-06-09 Rexam Beverage Can South America S.A. Procédé de gestion d'un ensemble de couvercles empilés et insérés dans un emballage, dispositif de transport pour ensemble formé de couvercles empilés et insérés dans un emballage, et système de production d'ensembles de couvercles palettisés
CN107108061A (zh) * 2014-12-04 2017-08-29 雷克萨姆饮料罐南美有限公司 操纵堆叠和插入在封装件中的盖群组的方法、运输堆叠和插入在封装件中的盖群组的运输装置及生产托盘化的盖群组的系统
US20170327256A1 (en) * 2014-12-04 2017-11-16 Rexam Beverage Can South America S.A. Method of managing a set of lids, stacked and inserted in a package, transport device for transporting a set of stacked lids and inserted in a package, and system for producing palletized set of lids
US20170349310A1 (en) * 2014-12-04 2017-12-07 Rexam Beverage Can South America S.A. Method of packaging a set of stacked lids and packaging device for sets of stacked lids
US10654601B2 (en) * 2014-12-04 2020-05-19 Ball Beverage Can South America S.A. Method of managing a set of lids, stacked and inserted in a package, transport device for transporting a set of stacked lids and inserted in a package, and system for producing palletized set of lids
CN107108061B (zh) * 2014-12-04 2020-06-05 球形饮料罐南美公司 操纵盖群组的方法、运输装置及生产托盘化盖群组的系统
US11148843B2 (en) * 2014-12-04 2021-10-19 Ball Beverage Can South America S.A. Method of packaging a set of stacked lids and packaging device for sets of stacked lids
WO2017021928A2 (fr) * 2015-08-06 2017-02-09 Pulsar S.R.L. Appareil permettant d'emballer un produit dans un emballage préformé respectif
WO2017021928A3 (fr) * 2015-08-06 2017-08-03 Pulsar S.R.L. Appareil permettant d'emballer un produit dans un emballage préformé respectif
CN109080885A (zh) * 2018-07-23 2018-12-25 上海艾鲲新材料科技有限公司 一种管件自动装箱系统及管件装箱方法
CN109080885B (zh) * 2018-07-23 2023-08-15 上海艾鲲新材料科技有限公司 一种管件自动装箱系统及管件装箱方法
CN109178444A (zh) * 2018-09-06 2019-01-11 苏州凯磊胜自动化科技有限公司 一种笔芯自动化装瓶装置及装瓶方法

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPH06321203A (ja) 1994-11-22
CA2113780A1 (fr) 1994-08-27

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5442898A (en) Method and apparatus for opening, filling and closing a premade wicketed bag
US4062169A (en) Packaging machines
JP4494372B2 (ja) 固定装置に関する改良
US4790124A (en) Article packaging apparatus
US3884278A (en) Automatic bag feeding device equipped with an automatic charging device
JP2013067428A (ja) 自動ダンネージ充填システム及び方法
EP0618134A1 (fr) Procédé et dispositif pour ensacher des couvercles pour récipients
US6584753B2 (en) System and method for including inserts with goods during automated packaging
US6523330B1 (en) Method and apparatus for capping, evacuating and folding collapsible plastic containers
JP3851596B2 (ja) 箱体供給装置および箱詰包装装置
US4501380A (en) Spiral feeder for headed fasteners
US3715857A (en) Bagel bagging machine
JPS5813410B2 (ja) 袋充填用の回転包装装置
US5199245A (en) Method and apparatus for packaging cloth articles
JPH02282008A (ja) ひだ付ケーシング物品を填充ホーンに装着するための装着装置及び方法
US5346200A (en) Converted container end bag separator
US4676708A (en) Stack developing and vertical elevating assembly and method therefor
US4653963A (en) Transport apparatus for flat articles
US5282351A (en) Method for making, filling and sealing sacks
US4905453A (en) Method and apparatus for manufacturing nested polyethylene bags
US20020017079A1 (en) System and method for including inserts with goods during automated packaging
US3507090A (en) Bag loading machine
CA2330405C (fr) Systeme et methode d'emballage
EP0281107A2 (fr) Procédé et appareil pour charger des articles dans un récipient
CN219857734U (zh) 包装盒自动盖合装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19941230

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN

18W Application withdrawn

Withdrawal date: 19960105