EP0716017B1 - Machine for covering bottles with a protecting coating - Google Patents

Description

Packaging of glass bottles in crates for storage, transport and distribution, requires provide insulation between the different bottles, so to avoid rupture of these bottles by impacts between they.

A mistletoe solution was used initially to to solve this problem was to protect the bottles with a straw cover or place them in crates with a background of wood chips or material analog which maintained the separation between the bottles and at the same time provided the function of a cushion.

Due to the materials used and the operations required by the packaging, all these solutions have subsequently abandoned in favor of a compartmentalization of bottle packing cases using an inner cardboard frame which defines independent housing for all bottles.

This solution of compartmentalized cases presents turn of the disadvantages among which we can cite the added cost involved in incorporating the structure cardboard divider and the complexity of the packing operation bottles in place inside this structure.

In addition, when the bottles are introduced into the compartments it frequently occurs that labels which are stuck on the body of the bottles cling to the edges of partitions, frequently producing a deterioration of these labels, which may have the effect that the bottles are refused for sale, with the consecutive losses that this inevitably causes.

To remove all these inconveniences and resolve all These problems are provided according to the present invention a device that protects the bottles with a cover soft protector, for example based on a sheet of cardboard corrugated, proposing for this purpose a protective machine capable of performing said function in a simple and practical, in a fully automatic design.

The work of this machine is based on a process transport and rotation of bottles similar to that of some already existing labeling devices, like, for example, the one used for the labeling machine European patent 92102859.3 (EP-A-501 311).

In this European patent 92102859.3, we claim a machine that first wraps each bottle with a sheet-like element, made of thin paper, which sticks directly on the bottle to then stick the label corresponding on this wrap made of a sheet.

That is to say, this European patent 92102859.3, which applies the principles of all labeling machines, directly sticks the element of the wrapping sheet type of the bottle on the latter, a solution which is not valid for the sheathing machine principle according to the invention, in the sense that the sheath must not be glued directly to the bottle but on the contrary it must be able to be freely separated from the latter.

On the other hand, in the said European patent, the labeling and wrapping mechanisms in sheet are formed by complex devices, with different intermediate steps, which take sheet labels or wraps and their apply a layer of adhesive, which are then transported to the position in which each sheet wrap is directly stuck to its bottle respective and each label is directly stuck to the corresponding sheet wrap of a bottle.

In accordance with the principle of different types of labeling machines, the machine according to the invention has also a set of supports on which the bottles, supports that are incorporated on a medium common turn, with possibility of individual rotation of each of these supports under the action of the rotary movement of all, said supports passing, in their path, in respective feeding and unloading areas bottles and, between these zones, in a routing zone wrapping sheets.

From this general realization of the mechanism the machine according to the invention such as defined in the appended claims 1 to 6, present, for each support of bottle, a means made so as to be able, under the effect of a vacuum, to grasp each protective cover and make sure it applies around the respective bottle, while the latter turns on itself, finally close the envelope on itself by gluing, thanks to a gluing of its edge final placed in the correct position in the feeder magazine.

In this way, each sheath is rolled up and fits perfectly around the respective bottle it envelope, but it is not glued to this bottle by collages and on the contrary remains free, the bonding serving exclusively to join the overlapped edges together of each sheath previously wound on the bottle.

On the other hand, this realization simplifies the realization of the sheath feeder mechanism, since the suction of each bottle holder constitutes the effect which takes a sheath directly from its stack respective, without mechanisms or intermediate steps, and that only a device for applying the adhesive to the overlapping edge of each sheath.

We thus obtain a very simple functional unit with which one achieves great work output, since its use allows rapid realization and economical protective bottle coating which allows place bottles in packing boxes without it it is necessary that these cases are divided into compartments, and this in such a way that the labels attached to the bottles remain completely safe from deterioration, both during the sheathing operation and when bottles are placed in the crates packing.

Protective sleeves can also be used as support for advertising impressions, informative or simply decorative, which may be executed in a previous and independent operation but also during the sheathing operation itself.

On the other hand, it should also be emphasized that, in the machine of the present invention, it suffices that the shape and size of the bottle supports are adapted to the bottles so that the sheaths are applied perfectly on the outside surface of these bottles; of so that in a machine it is enough to replace the supports so that this machine can work with bottles of different sizes and / or shapes, and obtains in each case that the sheath remains perfectly applied against the bottle, regardless of the shapes and dimensions of the latter.

The result is that the machine according to the invention has very advantageous characteristics which give it a own life and a preferential character for the function aforementioned protective sheathing of the bottles to which she is destined.

la figure 1 représente un séparateur en carton, du type de ceux qu'on utilise dans la technique classique pour la séparation des bouteilles dans les caisses d'emballage ;

la figure 2 représente un ensemble de gaines protectrices telles que celles qu'on réalise avec la machine selon l'invention, pour la protection des bouteilles ;

la figure 3 est une représentation schématique en plan de l'ensemble fonctionnel de la machine selon l'invention ;

la figure 4 est une représentation en élévation dudit ensemble fonctionnel de la machine selon l'invention ;

la figure 5 est un détail schématique en perspective de la disposition en déplacement giratoire et en rotation des supports de sustentation des bouteilles dans l'opération de gainage ;

la figure 6 représente un détail schématique de la disposition mobile du positionneur des gaines en corrélation avec les bouteilles après la fermeture de ces gaines ;

la figure 7 représente une coupe agrandie de l'ensemble de l'un des supports de sustentation des bouteilles ;

la figure 8 représente un détail schématique du passage vers la sortie des bouteilles gainées ;

la figure 9 est une représentation schématique qui montre le positionnement des gaines en corrélation avec les bouteilles correspondantes lorsque les gaines occupent une position abaissée par rapport à la situation des bouteilles pendant l'opération de gainage ;

la figure 10 est une représentation d'une autre solution possible de positionnement des gaines en corrélation avec les bouteilles correspondantes lorsque les gaines occupent une position surélevée par rapport à la situation des bouteilles pendant l'opération de gainage.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, of an exemplary embodiment and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a cardboard separator, of the type used in the conventional technique for the separation of bottles in packaging boxes;

FIG. 2 represents a set of protective sheaths such as those produced with the machine according to the invention, for the protection of the bottles;

Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of the functional assembly of the machine according to the invention;

Figure 4 is an elevational representation of said functional assembly of the machine according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective detail of the arrangement in gyratory movement and in rotation of the lifting supports of the bottles in the sheathing operation;

FIG. 6 represents a schematic detail of the mobile arrangement of the positioner of the sheaths in correlation with the bottles after the sheaths have closed;

FIG. 7 represents an enlarged section of the assembly of one of the supports for supporting the bottles;

Figure 8 shows a schematic detail of the passage to the outlet of the sheathed bottles;

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation which shows the positioning of the sheaths in correlation with the corresponding bottles when the sheaths occupy a lowered position relative to the situation of the bottles during the sheathing operation;

FIG. 10 is a representation of another possible solution for positioning the sheaths in correlation with the corresponding bottles when the sheaths occupy an elevated position relative to the situation of the bottles during the sheathing operation.

For packaging bottles such as bottles of wine 1, in corresponding cardboard boxes, so far uses a separator 3 formed by a corrugated cardboard structure that defines housings for bottles 1, see figure 1.

These separators 3 significantly increase the cost of the packaging of bottles 1 and, moreover, they complicate automation of this operation, and in many case, they deteriorate the labels of the bottles 1, in rubbing on the labels or hanging the edges of the labels with the edges of the separator 3, when introduces the bottles 1 into this separator.

The invention relates to a sheathing machine the bottles 1 with a protective cover 2, of preferably corrugated cardboard. This protective covering 2 constitutes a means

allowing to separate the bottles in their case packaging, to avoid ruptures by direct impact between the bottles 1 inside the packaging boxes, without the need to use separators 3 and in avoiding at the same time the problem of deterioration of labels stuck on the bottles 1.

According to a particular embodiment, the machine according to the invention consists of a series of supports 4 intended for positioning the bottles 1 to be sheathed, these supports 4 being mounted on a common rotary carrier means like, for example, a disc-shaped plate 5 mounted on a central shaft 6 which can be actuated by a motor 7.

In turn, the supports are arranged in assembly rotary on plate 5, so that said rotation is produced by the own gyratory movement in the course transport plate 5.

In this arrangement, all of the supports 4 pass, on the path of the gyratory movement, by an area feeding bottles 1, where a rotary positioner 8 places bottles 1, which arrive by a corridor input 9, one by one on the supports 4, the bottles inlets 1 being suitably spaced by means of a screw endless 10, prior to entering the positioner 8.

At the end of the roundabout, the whole goes to its tower by a bottle discharge area 1 from where these bottles are evacuated by an outlet corridor 11, to be directed to a place of assembly or storage, or towards the execution phase of the box packaging.

In the intermediate zone between the two entry zones and outlet of the bottles 1, the mobile assembly of supports 4 also passes tangentially past a store 12 in which are housed sheets 13 intended for training sheaths 2 on the bottles 1, and, in the edge of the aforementioned store 12, there is provided a gluing machine 14 which has for function of depositing an adhesive on the rear edge of said sheets 13, to ensure the closure of these sheets when mounted around the bottles 1.

Each support 4 is in turn constituted by an axis 15 which is rigidly fixed on the carrier plate 5, as is can see it in figure 7, however, that on said axis 15, is mounted a cylindrical block 16 journalling using of bearings 17, which block 16 internally forms a room 18 which communicates with the outside via conduits side 19, chamber 18 with which a conduit communicates 20 defined axially in axis 15, from which is established a communication 21 with a connection solenoid valve 22 with a vacuum generating mechanism.

The cylindrical block 16 further carries a part 23 forming a "Maltese cross", which is fixed jointly to its lower part, however that, on the periphery, around the plate 5, is placed a fixed ring 24 in which are determined, in concrete areas, sectors 25 and 26 with nipples 27 projecting upwards with which the part 23 of the supports 4 engages during the movement of these supports.

More specifically, sector 25 is provided with six nipples 27 and sector 26 of two nipples 27, so that when the part 23 abuts against the pins 27, due to the conformation of "Maltese cross" defined by this part 23, each shock turns this part a quarter of a turn, dragging with it, in the same rotation, the block cylindrical 16, which therefore describes a rotation of one revolution and half when traveling the route in the area of the sector 25 and another half-turn rotation when travels the route located in the area of sector 26.

Under this effect, when all of the supports 4 carried by the plate 5 turns, the bottles 1 that it is sheath are placed on the different supports 4 by the positioner 8, and they advance towards the frontal area of the store 12, where sector 25 of ring 24 is located, so that, in this zone, each support 4 describes a rotational movement on itself under the effect of which is produces the winding on the support, and therefore on the respective bottle 1 which he carries, from the sheet 13 which is in the front part of the magazine 12, until the winding is finished, thanks to the turn and a half of rotation that happens until you cross sector 25 mentioned above, the winding being closed by the adhesive deposited on the sheets 13 by the gluing machine 14.

The drive of the sheets 13 by winding is produced by the vacuum suction created through the side conduits 19, which has the effect of applying the sheet 13 located in the front part of the magazine 12 on the support 4 correspondent who comes into contact with this sheet and then cause winding until the sheet is closed 1 on itself under the effect of the rotational movement produced simultaneously with the advance, as can be seen on the figure 3.

After wrapping and closing the sheets 13 that we have just described, the aspiration is suppressed in the supports 4, which is achieved by proper programming corresponding solenoid valves 22 of the supports 4; of so that, when the vacuum disappears, the sheath 2 formed by the rolled sheet 13 remains free of all fixing, and that it can be positioned, by sliding vertical, until it is correctly placed by compared to the corresponding bottle 1.

For this, as we can see in Figures 6 and 9, each support 4 comprises, around the cylindrical block 16 corresponding, an annular part 28 which can move axially, said part 28 being fixed using rods 29 to a corresponding lower part 30, in which is mounted a bearing 31 arranged to abut against a guide sliding 32 comprising a ramp entry, as can be see it in figure 6.

At the start of the course of the supports 4, the annular part 28 mentioned above is located in a low position, to serve as a lower support base for the sheets 13 during winding, however afterwards, in the area intended to slide the sheaths 2 until they are placed in a good position in relation to the bottles, said part 28 rises under the effect of the arrival of the bearing 31 on the guide 32 in this area.

According to a possible solution, the sheets 13 could as well be rolled up in a raised position, like shown in Figure 10, to later slide towards the bottom, after closing the wrap, said sliding which can be carried out by simple free fall or with assistance of a push. In this case, it will be necessary to plan an upper element 37, which serves as a support for the winding, and through which we will therefore establish the necessary aspiration for driving the sheets 13, said element 37 being able to retract upwards, to facilitate the fall of envelopes 2 until they are placed around the bottles 1.

In the final area of the rotary path of the supports 4, after winding the sheets 13 on the bottles 1, we plans to have a lateral support pad 33 whose contact exerts pressure which facilitates the bonding of closure of the sheets 13 which gives rise to the sheaths 2.

The positioning of the supports 4 must be in each perfectly calculated case so that the conduits 19 of block 16 considered to be placed opposite store 12 at the time of contact with the sheet 13 located in front, so that the and a half turn caused by the course along the area of the sector 25 ensures the complete winding of the sheets 13, including understood by passing through the tightening zone against the shoe 33, which facilitates closure bonding; however that in an area further downstream, the U-turn that occurs in the other sector 26, replace the block 16 in the correct position so that the operation is repeated with a new bottle 1.

The route of all the supports 4, from the area in which the sheaths 2 are already correctly positioned on the bottles 1, until they exit through the corridor 11, can be used in turn to the possible application of impressions on the ducts 2 trained.

And similarly, the functional unit could be provided so that the bottles 1 are sheathed alternately, due to one in two, since the separation in packing crates does not require that all bottles 1 are sheathed, although obviously security is more large if all bottles have a sheath 2 corresponding.

In the exit to corridor 11, there is also provision to mount means for retaining and rotating the bottles sheathed 1, for example by means of a movable belt 34 and a fixed shoe 35 which are arranged face to face, for example according to the diagram of figure 8, however that one can provide in the high position, two other pads 36 which define a narrower passage and between which one can cause the sheath 2 to tighten on the neck of the bottle, this tightening taking place with an effect of twist that makes it easier.

In each case, it is easy to understand that the machine described can be used with any type of bottle 1 since in the end, it suffices to change the cylindrical block 16 of the supports 4 depending on the shape and of the diametrical dimension of the bottles 1 so that the winding operation can be carried out in the manner described.

Of course, various modifications and variants may be made by those skilled in the art to the device which has just been described by way of nonlimiting example, without depart from the scope of the invention as claimed.

Claims (6)

1. Machine for covering bottles with a protective coating, of the type of machine formed by an assembly of supports intended to receive the bottles (1), the supports being disposed on a rotating element passing through a path between a supply inlet and an evacuation exit, characterized in that each support (4) is constituted by a cylindrical block (16) with a diametral dimension corresponding substantially to that of the bottle supported, and internally provided with conduits (19) which place a source of vacuum in communication with a succession of orifices in the periphery of the cylindrical block (16); in that each cylindrical block (16) passes through its path, up to a point where it comes into contact tangentially and directly with the first of a series of sheets (13) disposed in a stack in a magazine (12); in that the vacuum of the succession of orifices in the periphery of each cylindrical block (16) creates a suction capable of directly removing the first sheet (13) and in that each support (4) is capable of rotating on itself under the action of a drive means so that the sheet (13) removed by suction wraps itself around the support (4) until the edges of the sheet (13) which overlap are joined together, the sheet (13) in that case forming a sheath which is then adjusted around the bottle (1) located on this support (4) under the action of an adjustment means, the sheath remaining free to move axially with respect to said bottle (1).
2. Machine for covering bottles with a protective coating according to Claim 1, characterized in that the cylindrical block (16) of each support (4) is disposed on a fixed pin (15) and may rotate about this pin, while there is connected to each cylindrical block (16) a base formed by a piece (23) which forms a "Maltese Cross" in its lower part; in that, around the supports (4) there is disposed a fixed ring (24) in which are mounted, in sectors (25, 26) of this ring, studs (27) which, during rotation of all the supports (4) inside the fixed ring (24), engage with the "Maltese Cross" shape of the pieces (23), thus provoking the rotation of the supports (4) on themselves at predetermined angles, the assembly formed by the piece (23) and the studs (27) constituting said drive means.
3. Machine for covering bottles with a protective coating according to Claim 2, characterized in that, in a first active sector (25) of the fixed ring (24), there are disposed six studs (27) which provoke a rotation of each support through a turn and a half to effect the winding (4); while, in a second sector (26), there are disposed two studs (27) which provoke a half-turn of each support (4), with the result that this support resumes its initial position which corresponds to the beginning of each cycle.
4. Machine for covering bottles with a protective coating according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cylindrical block (16) of each support (4) is interchangeable as a function of the shapes and dimensions of the bottles (1) which are to be sheathed.
5. Machine for covering bottles with a protective coating according to Claim 1, characterized in that said adjusting means is constituted by an annular piece (28) disposed around the support (4), mobile in the axial direction, and in position of abutment on a conducting guide (32) which displaces said piece (28) to bring the sheath (2) once formed into correct position with respect to the corresponding bottle (1), disengaging the support (4).
6. Machine for covering bottles with a protective coating according to Claim 1, characterized in that, in the housing of the stacked sheets (13), there is incorporated an adhesive coating machine (14) by means of which an adhesive is deposited on the rear edge of said sheets (13), so that these sheets glue themselves together at the moment of closure of the winding which forms the sheaths (2).

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