EP0867370B1 - Device for conveying of articles such as plastic cups and conditioning machine including said device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates according to a first aspect to a device for moving items such as plastic pots or equivalents.

The invention relates, according to a second aspect, to a machine for packaging plastic pots or equivalent comprising at least one device as above.

We know from GB-A-1 279 486 a system of gripping of articles comprising jaws mounted on arms extending radially and pivotally mounted on a shaft central. The gripping system pivots above a seizure and a release station. The rotation is stopped at seizure and release stations, the articles being seized at seizure stations where they arrive by a conveyor, and released.

Moving plastic pots, such as those used in food industries, most often cannot be easily achieved at high speed when the pots are individualized.

Indeed, by their shape, these pots are generally relatively unstable, their base being smaller than their top. This is most often the case with jars of dairy products, for example example.

At the outlet of the filling and closing machine, for example by sealing, the pots are separated from a sheet of pots, in groups of pots, conventionally in pairs of pots.

Pairs of pots, mechanically more stable than pots can be conveyed at high speed.

So that it is possible to freely choose the number of pots which will be grouped together, and packaged in the marketed product ("pack"), it is however preferable to have pots individualized when packing the jars.

The invention relates, according to a first aspect, to a device allowing continuous transfer without traversing, at high speed groups of pots, such as pairs of pots, to a separation of the pots forming said groups of pots.

The invention relates, according to a second aspect, to a machine for packaging plastic pots or equivalent comprising at least one device as above.

Such a machine allows in particular the packaging of pots in group comprising a number of pots not necessarily multiple of two.

• des moyens de groupage des articles reliés au moins deux à deux ;
• des moyens de préhension des articles ainsi groupés ;
• des moyens d'entraínement des dits moyens de préhension selon un circuit fermé comprenant :
  • un poste de saisie des articles reliés au moins deux à deux par les moyens de préhension, situé au droit de la première voie d'avancement ;
  • un poste de relâchement des articles reliés au moins deux à deux par les moyens de préhension, situé au droit d'une seconde voie d'avancement formant un angle droit avec la première voie d'avancement ; de sorte que les articles ainsi regroupés et reliés au moins deux à deux soient espacés les uns des autres et disposés transversalement par rapport à leur direction de déplacement sur la seconde voie d'avancement ; au moins un dispositif de découpe étant placé entre la seconde voie d'avancement et les dites lignes de convoyage pour séparer par découpage les articles regroupés au moins deux à deux afin de les individualiser.

To this end, the invention relates to a device for moving articles such as plastic pots or the like, from a first substantially straight advancement path in which the articles are moved while being aligned with each other according to their direction of movement, and connected at least two by two, to a plurality of conveyor lines in which the articles are moved by being individualized, said device comprising:

• means for grouping articles connected at least two by two;
• means for gripping the articles thus grouped;
• means for driving said gripping means according to a closed circuit comprising:
  • a post for entering articles connected at least two by two by the gripping means, located to the right of the first advancement path;
  • a station for releasing articles connected at least two by two by the gripping means, located in line with a second advancement path forming a right angle with the first advancement path; so that the articles thus grouped and connected at least two by two are spaced from each other and arranged transversely relative to their direction of movement on the second path of advancement; at least one cutting device being placed between the second advancement path and the said conveyor lines for separating by cutting the articles grouped together at least two by two in order to individualize them.

According to one characteristic, the means for driving the means grips include a carousel with multiple satellites, a means for gripping batches of articles being attached to each satellite, removably.

The carousel includes a main drive shaft, pinions intermediaries connecting this main drive shaft to the satellites.

• un coulisseau dont une première extrémité forme pince de préhension pour un lot d'articles ;
• un levier dont une première extrémité est associée à la seconde extrémité du coulisseau, la seconde extrémité de ce levier portant un galet roulant sur une came fixe, ce levier étant disposé suivant une direction radiale du carrousel et pouvant basculer suivant une direction tangentielle définie par un support d'axe,

   ladite came fixe comportant des protubérances sur lesquelles le galet passe, entraínant le coulisseau d'une position haute de saisie des pots à une position basse de relâchement des pots.Each gripping means includes:

• a slider, a first end of which forms a gripper for a batch of articles;
• a lever of which a first end is associated with the second end of the slide, the second end of this lever carrying a roller rolling on a fixed cam, this lever being disposed in a radial direction of the carousel and being able to tilt in a tangential direction defined by a axle support,

said fixed cam having protrusions over which the roller passes, causing the slide from a high position for gripping the pots to a low position for releasing the pots.

The invention also relates to a machine for packaging of plastic pots or equivalent, comprising at least one device as above.

Said machine further comprises, in a mode of deviation, deviation organs and dismissals of individualized items to grouping devices and spacing of articles.

• une ligne d'amenée d'un flan en carton ou matériau analogue ;
• un poste de mise en place d'un premier groupe d'articles, issu des moyens de groupage et d'espacement sur un panneau du flan ;
• un poste de mise en place d'un intercalaire au-dessus du premier groupe d'articles formant la couche inférieure du produit final ;
• un poste de mise en place d'un deuxième groupe d'articles, issu des moyens de groupage et d'espacement, et formant la couche supérieure du produit final ;
• des postes de pliage et solidarisation des volets latéraux du flan, de sorte à former le pack du produit final.

Said machine further comprises, in one embodiment:

• a supply line for a blank of cardboard or similar material;
• a station for setting up a first group of articles, coming from the grouping and spacing means on a blank panel;
• a post for placing an interlayer above the first group of articles forming the lower layer of the final product;
• a station for placing a second group of articles, coming from the grouping and spacing means, and forming the upper layer of the final product;
• folding stations and securing the side panels of the blank, so as to form the pack of the final product.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique d'une machine de conditionnement selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue de détail de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 est une vue de dessus d'un carrousel de transfert selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 4 est une vue en coupe correspondant à la ligne IV-IV de la figure 3.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear during the following description of an embodiment, which description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is a schematic view of a packaging machine according to the invention;
• Figure 2 is a detail view of Figure 1;
• Figure 3 is a top view of a transfer carousel according to an embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 4 is a sectional view corresponding to the line IV-IV of FIG. 3.

We first refer to Figure 1.

Figure 1 shows schematically a machine for packaging articles such as jars thermoformed plastic.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each final product 1 produced using the packaging includes six plastic jars or material equivalent.

These six pots are arranged on two layers, know a bottom layer 2 comprising three pots and a upper layer 3 comprising three other pots.

Each of the pots of the upper layer 3 is placed to the right and above a pot of the lower layer 2.

The six pots of each final product 1 contain a substantially flat upper rim capable of supporting a peelable seal.

The upper edges of the pots placed side by side in the lower layer 2 or the upper layer 3 does not are not assembled by their opposite sides.

In other words, there is no line of break or cut between the top edges of two neighboring pots in the same layer and the neighboring pots are placed away from each other.

The cohesion of the whole formed by the six pots distant from each other in each end product 1 is provided by "wrap around" packaging.

This packaging includes, in the embodiment shown, a first sheet of cardboard or material analog 4.

This sheet or this blank 4 has three openings 5a, 5b, 5c substantially rectangular and of dimensions significantly greater than those of the walls of bottom of pots and significantly lower than those of upper edges of these pots.

In the embodiment shown, the blank 4 comprises a central panel 6 comprising the openings 5a, 5b and 5c and two pairs of side flaps 7a, 7b and 8a, 8b.

The blank 4, when laid flat, is substantially rectangular.

The openings 5a, 5b and 5c are arranged according to a longitudinal direction D1.

The flaps 7a and 8a are substantially identical, placed on either side of the central panel and hinged at this by fold lines, creasing or equivalent arranged in the direction D1.

When the blank 4 is set in volume, the flaps 7a and 8a form two lateral faces placed opposite one on the other of the final product 1.

The flaps 7a and 8a are, in the mode of shown, rectangular and solid.

In other embodiments, not shown, the flaps 7a and 8a have openings equivalent or not and allowing to visualize the pots of the upper layer 3, at least partially, and especially the pot placed in the middle of the layer superior 3.

The shutter 8b is articulated to the shutter 8a by a line folding or creasing substantially parallel to the direction D1.

In the embodiment shown, the flap 8b is rectangular and solid and shaped, when the blank 4 is set in volume, the upper side of the packaging "wrap around "of the final product 1.

In other embodiments, not shown, the flap 8b has at least one opening allowing to visualize at least partially the face upper pots of the upper layer 3, and in particular of the pot placed in the middle of this layer 3.

The shutter 8b may also include organs such as handle, holes or the like allowing entry and the transport of the final product 1 by the consumer.

The shutter 7b is articulated to the shutter 7a by a line folding or creasing substantially parallel to the direction D1.

The shutter 7b forms a bonding tab for the shutter 8b, when the blank 4 is set in volume.

The blanking of a blank 4 is carried out from the next way.

A blank 4 is placed flat and conveyed to a post 9 for placing the three pots of the layer lower 2.

The three pots of the lower layer 2 are placed above the openings 5a, 5b and 5c and the blank 4 is moved upward to hold the three pots of the lower layer 2 in their relative position final.

A sheet of cardboard, plastic or any other equivalent material, 10 is then placed above the pots of the lower layer 2, in a setting station 11 interlayer place.

The assembly formed by the blank 4, the three pots of the lower layer 2 and the interlayer sheet 10 is routed to a post 12 for placing the pots of the top layer 3.

On leaving station 12, flaps 7a and 8a are folded vertically at station 13, in one position substantially perpendicular to the central panel 6 and to the interlayer sheet 10 disposed above this panel 6, between the upper layer 3 and the lower layer 2.

Then, at station 14, the flap 8b is folded back to horizontal, just like shutter 7b.

The connection between the flap 7b and the flap 8b can be made by gluing, heat sealing, assisted welding by ultrasound or high frequency, stapling or any other equivalent process.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the wrap around packaging is such that the part lower pots of the lower layer 2 is visible.

In other embodiments, not shown, the "wrap around" packaging encloses the jars of the layer lower 2 and upper layer 3, so the central panel 6 of the blank 4 is substantially full and forms bottom wall of the final product, the layer pots lower 2 resting on this bottom wall. Means wedges, such as slots, legs or the like, keep the pots of the diaper in position lower 2 and upper layer 3 in the product final 1.

In the embodiment shown, the stations 9, 11, 12, 13 and 14 are substantially aligned in a direction parallel to D1.

In other embodiments, the stations 9, 11, 12, 13 and 14 are not aligned, positions 9 and 11 being for example arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular or inclined with respect to that defined by items 12, 13 and 14.

In the embodiment shown, the blank 4 is not symmetrical about its median parallel to D1, the flaps 7b and 8b not being of the same dimensions.

In another embodiment, not shown, the flaps 7b and 8b are identical.

The number of pots arranged on the layer lower is determined by a device 15 similar to a toothed wheel whose spacing between the teeth successive corresponds to the size of three pots, in the embodiment shown.

Device 15 allows spacing and grouping of three pots from a first supply line of pots 16.

Similarly, the number of pots arranged on the layer superior is determined by a device 17 similar to the device 15 and allowing the spacing and grouping of three pots from a second line of pots 18.

The blank 4 being provided with three openings 5a, 5b and 5c allowing the maintenance of up to six pots, namely three pots on the top layer 3 and three pots on the bottom layer 2.

In another embodiment, the device 15 and / or the device 17 form removable units, the operator choosing grouping bodies and separation among a group of organs allowing the forming batches of two, three or more than three pots for the upper layer 3 and the lower layer 2.

The operator will also choose, in this case, a blank 4 of corresponding dimensions.

In the embodiment shown, a product final 1 has only two layers of pots.

A number of layers greater than 2, for example three, can be expected.

A device similar to devices 15 and 17 then allows the provision of a third layer of pots, after the installation of a second interlayer, similar to the interlayer sheet 10.

The blank 4 may include wedging means such that folding legs or equivalent or even slots allowing lateral passage of the upper edges pots slightly protruding outwards.

The first line 16 and the second supply line of pots 17 are derived, via bypass members and reference 19a, 19b, of two pot conveyor lines, substantially parallel 20a and 20b.

In lines 20a and 20b, the pots are individualized, that is to say not linked to each other by a frangible bond or any other bond.

At the upstream end of lines 20a and 20b is disposed a station 21 for cutting.

Upstream of the cutting station 21, pairs of pots 22 are conveyed to station 21 to supply, after cutting and separating the pots from each pair, the lines 20a and 20b.

Each pair of pots 22 is arranged perpendicular to its direction of advance towards the post 21 so the line separating the pots from each pair is parallel to the direction of advance and to the direction of conveying the individualized pots in lines 20a and 20b.

Cutting can be done with a blade metallic rotating and / or vibrating, by a pair of blades forming pincers, by circular shears, by jet of water or any other equivalent process.

If necessary, a line of greatest weakness, with thinning or holes may be provided over a width including the planned dividing line.

The pairs of pots 22 are moved, from a first substantially straight path 23 up to a second straight advancement path 24 forming an angle with said first track by two devices 25a, 25b (see Figure 2).

Each device 25a, 25b comprises means 26 for grouping pots in pairs, gripping means 27 pairs of pots, means of training means of gripping 27 according to a closed circuit 28 comprising a station 29 for gripping pairs of pots by means 27, located to the right of the first advancement track 23 and a post of loosening 30 pairs of pots by means of grip 27, located to the right of the second track advancement 24.

At input station 29, the pots are aligned following direction D2 of the first advancement path 23 while at the release station 30, the pots of each pair of pots are aligned in a direction D3 substantially perpendicular to the second path of advancement 24.

In the embodiment shown, the direction D2 is substantially parallel to D3 and the first and second paths of advancement are substantially flat and perpendicular.

In the embodiment shown, the pots are routed in pairs by devices 25a and 25b.

In other embodiments, not shown, the pots are sent in groups of more than two pots, the station 21 cutting means then being designed to separate the pots from each group of pots so as to form as many conveyor lines substantially parallels 20 that there is a pot in a group led by the devices 25a, 25b.

In the embodiment shown, two devices 25a, 25b allow the routing of pairs of pots, regularly spaced, towards the cutting station 21.

In other embodiments, not shown, more than two devices 25 are provided, possibly arranged on either side of the management of advancement of the pairs of pots to station 21.

The number of devices 25, the number of means of gripping 27, the number of pots supported by each means gripping 27 are determined according to the flow desired, as are transfer speeds.

For example, when the pots are transported by group of four pots at cutting station 21, you can provide two packaging machines of the type shown in Figure 1, placed opposite.

We now refer to Figure 3.

The means of driving the gripping means include a carousel 31 with several satellites 32.

In the embodiment shown, the carousel 31 has six satellites 32.

Three intermediate pinions 33 connect the pinion main carousel to satellites 32 so that each satellite 32 is rotated relative to the main axis A1 of the carousel following the closed circuit 28 and rotating around its own axis A2 substantially parallel to A1.

The axis A2 is that of a rod 34 substantially vertical including a first extreme, lower part, 35 form support surface 36 of the underside of the rim upper side of the pots, opposite the upper side bearing the cap.

• une position basse, de relâchement des moyens de préhension 27, notamment au poste 30. Dans cette position, la distance entre la surface de support 36 et une surface placée en regard 37 du satellite 32, est supérieure à l'épaisseur du rebord supérieur sensiblement plan des pots ;
• une position haute, de saisie des pots par les moyens de préhension 27, notamment au poste 29. Dans cette position, une partie du rebord supérieur des pots est pincée entre la surface de support 36 et la surface 37.

This rod 34 is movable vertically between two positions:

• a low position, for loosening the gripping means 27, in particular at the station 30. In this position, the distance between the support surface 36 and a surface placed opposite 37 of the satellite 32, is greater than the thickness of the upper edge substantially plan of the pots;
• a high position, for gripping the pots by the gripping means 27, in particular at station 29. In this position, part of the upper edge of the pots is pinched between the support surface 36 and the surface 37.

The transition from the low position to the high position of the rod or slide 34 is carried out in the manner next.

The second end portion 38 of the rod 35 is secured to a first end portion 39 of a lever 40.

The other end portion 41 of the lever 40 supports a roller 42 rolling on a fixed cam 43, a hinge 44 being disposed between the end parts 39 and 41 of the lever 40, substantially mid-length of this lever 40.

A protuberance 45 arranged on the way to roller bearing 42 moves lever 40 in rotation by relative to the joint 44 and moves the rod 34 of the high position for gripping the pots towards the low position of relaxation.

During this movement, an elastic device such that a spring 46, associated with the rod 34, is compressed.

When the protuberance 45 has been exceeded by the roller 42, the relaxation of the spring 46 causes the passage of the rod 34 from the low release position to the high position for gripping pots.

Those skilled in the art will readily understand that protrusions 45 are placed on the raceway of the roller 42 in positions corresponding to stations 29 and 30 of seizure and release of the pots respectively, on the closed circuit 28.

Where appropriate, the end portion 35 of the rod 34 has a removable adapter with a surface support adapted to the type and number of pots to be conveyed from the first advancement path 23 to the second way forward 24.

Claims (7)

1. A device for moving articles such as plastic pots or equivalent, from a first substantially rectilinear advancement track (23) in which the articles are moved after being aligned with respect to each other in their direction of movement, and connected at least in pairs, as far as a plurality of conveying lines in which the articles are moved whilst being individualised, the said device comprising:

   means (26) of grouping the articles connected at least in pairs;

   means (27) of gripping the articles thus grouped;

   means of driving the said gripping means in a closed circuit (28) comprising:

   a station (29) for gripping the articles connected at least in pairs by the gripping means, situated in line with the first advancement track (23);

   a station (30) for releasing the articles connected at least in pairs by the gripping means, situated in line with a second advancement track (24), forming a right angle with the first advancement track;

   so that the articles thus grouped together and connected at least in pairs are spaced apart from each other and disposed transversely with respect to their direction of movement on the second advancement track; at least one cutting device being placed between the second advancement track and the said conveying lines in order to separate, by cutting, the articles grouped together at least in pairs in order to individualise them.
2. A device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the means of driving the gripping means (27) comprise a carousel (31) with several satellites (32), a means (27) of gripping the batches of articles being fixed to each satellite (32), removably.
3. A device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the carousel (31) comprises a main drive shaft, intermediate pinions (33) connecting this main drive shaft to the satellites (32).
4. A device according to Claim 3, characterised in that each gripping means (27) comprises:

   a slide (34), a first end (35) of which forms a gripping clamp for a batch of articles;

   a lever (40), a first end (39) of which is associated with the second end (38) of the slide (34), the second end (41) of this lever (40) carrying a roller (42) rolling on a fixed cam (43), this lever (40) being disposed in a radial direction of the carousel (31) and being able to tilt in a tangential direction defined by a shaft support (44),

   the said fixed cam (43) having protuberances (45) on which the roller (42) passes, driving the slide (34) from a high position of gripping the pots to a low position of releasing the pots.
5. A machine for packaging plastic pots or equivalent, characterised in that it has at least one device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.
6. A machine according to Claim 5, characterised in that it comprises members for diverting and returning (19a, 19b) the individualised articles to devices for grouping together and spacing articles (15, 17).
7. A machine according to Claim 5 or 6, characterised in that it has:

   a line for bringing a blank made of cardboard or similar material (4);

   a station for placing a first group of articles, issuing from the grouping and spacing means (15), on a panel (6) of the blank (4);

   a station (11) for placing an insert (10) on top of the first group of articles forming the bottom layer (2) of the final product (1);

   a station (12) for placing a second group of articles, issuing from the grouping and spacing means (17), and forming the top layer (3) of the final product (1);

   stations (13, 14) for folding and fixing the side flaps (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b) of the blank (4), so as to form the pack of final product (1).

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