EP1036000B1 - Machine d'emballage - Google Patents

Machine d'emballage Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1036000B1
EP1036000B1 EP98948359A EP98948359A EP1036000B1 EP 1036000 B1 EP1036000 B1 EP 1036000B1 EP 98948359 A EP98948359 A EP 98948359A EP 98948359 A EP98948359 A EP 98948359A EP 1036000 B1 EP1036000 B1 EP 1036000B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
carton
cartons
hopper
packaging machine
engaging
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP98948359A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1036000A1 (fr
Inventor
Jean-Christophe Bonnain
Jean-Jacques Dussart
Philippe Eblin
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.)
WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Original Assignee
Mead 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
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Publication of EP1036000A1 publication Critical patent/EP1036000A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1036000B1 publication Critical patent/EP1036000B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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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
    • B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
    • B65B5/02—Machines characterised by incorporation of means for making the containers or receptacles
    • 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
    • B65B59/00—Arrangements to enable machines to handle articles of different sizes, to produce packages of different sizes, to vary the contents of packages, to handle different types of packaging material, or to give access for cleaning or maintenance purposes
    • B65B59/005—Adjustable conveying means
    • 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
    • B65B21/00—Packaging or unpacking of bottles
    • B65B21/24—Enclosing bottles in wrappers
    • B65B21/242—Enclosing bottles in wrappers in collapsed carton sleeves
    • 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
    • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
    • B65B43/12—Feeding flexible bags or carton blanks in flat or collapsed state; Feeding flat bags connected to form a series or chain
    • B65B43/14—Feeding individual bags or carton blanks from piles or magazines
    • B65B43/145—Feeding carton blanks from piles or magazines
    • 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
    • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
    • B65B43/26—Opening or distending bags; Opening, erecting, or setting-up boxes, cartons, or carton blanks
    • B65B43/30—Opening or distending bags; Opening, erecting, or setting-up boxes, cartons, or carton blanks by grippers engaging opposed walls, e.g. suction-operated
    • B65B43/305—Opening or distending bags; Opening, erecting, or setting-up boxes, cartons, or carton blanks by grippers engaging opposed walls, e.g. suction-operated specially adapted for boxes, cartons or carton blanks
    • 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
    • B65B59/00—Arrangements to enable machines to handle articles of different sizes, to produce packages of different sizes, to vary the contents of packages, to handle different types of packaging material, or to give access for cleaning or maintenance purposes
    • B65B59/001—Arrangements to enable adjustments related to the product to be packaged
    • 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
    • B65B59/00—Arrangements to enable machines to handle articles of different sizes, to produce packages of different sizes, to vary the contents of packages, to handle different types of packaging material, or to give access for cleaning or maintenance purposes
    • B65B59/003—Arrangements to enable adjustments related to the packaging material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B2100/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers made by folding single-piece sheets, blanks or webs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B2100/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers made by folding single-piece sheets, blanks or webs
    • B31B2100/002—Rigid or semi-rigid containers made by folding single-piece sheets, blanks or webs characterised by the shape of the blank from which they are formed
    • B31B2100/0024—Rigid or semi-rigid containers made by folding single-piece sheets, blanks or webs characterised by the shape of the blank from which they are formed having all side walls attached to the bottom
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B2120/00—Construction of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B31B2120/30—Construction of rigid or semi-rigid containers collapsible; temporarily collapsed during manufacturing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31—MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B—MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B50/00—Making rigid or semi-rigid containers, e.g. boxes or cartons
    • B31B50/74—Auxiliary operations
    • B31B50/76—Opening and distending flattened articles

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a packaging machine for packaging primary articles such as cans and bottles into multiple packaged cartons and in particular to a packaging machine which can package primary articles into cartons selected from two or more sizes or types of carton
  • a limited number of packaging machines are capable of packaging different sizes or types of carton, for example six, eight or twelve packs of a wrap around carton. All such machines require adjustment when switching from one size or type of carton to another. This adjustment includes the manual removal of all of the cartons within the packaging machine and possibly the mechanical adjustment of components in the machine. During this change over period, which can be thirty minutes or more, a machine cannot be used (known as "down time"), which is an expensive delay in a bottling plant. Such a delay may even result in down time for the entire bottling line, not just the packaging machine, if problems arise during the change over procedure.
  • a packaging machine for packaging articles into cartons selected from, at least, a first carton or a second carton, said first and second cartons being of a different type or size, said cartons being stored in at least one hopper, and picked for packing by a carton engaging means arranged to remove cartons from said at least one hopper and transport them sequentially to a first predetermined position, from where the cartons are transferred to a paper feed chain which transports the cartons to a second predetermined position, from where the cartons are combined with said articles, the paper feed chain comprising a support means carrying a first endless chain from which is depended a first set of guide lugs and a second endless chain from which is depended a second set of guide lugs, said guide lugs being interleaved to produce carton receiving zones, the length of which can be altered, for different carton sizes or types, by altering the relative positions of the first and second set of guide lugs, and the support means being movable such that when the
  • the relative position of the first and second sets of guide lugs is arranged by control of the motor which power one of the first and second endless chains.
  • the position of said support means is arranged by the control of a pneumatic cylinder which positions said structure.
  • the packing means comprises a control means which controls the operation of each of the components of the machine during operation and change over between cartons of different type or size.
  • the packing means comprises a first hopper for storing said first cartons, and a second hopper for storing said second cartons, and transfer means to transfer the cartons from either hopper to said first predetermined position, said carton engaging means being operable in a first position for engaging cartons from the first hopper and a second position for engaging cartons from the second hopper.
  • the packing means comprises means to place one of said hoppers in an operative position and control means to select the position of carton engagement means corresponding to the operative hopper selected.
  • said carton pick up and transfer means is rotatable about a fixed axis in an orbital path.
  • the first and second pick up positions are located at different points on said orbital path.
  • the packing means comprises means to place one of said hoppers in an operative position in the form of a frame mounted to a second fixed axis and wherein said first and second hoppers are mounted to the frame each hopper being oppositely disposed about the second fixed axis.
  • said operative hopper is adjacent the orbital path of said carton pick up and transfer means.
  • the packing means comprises an apparatus for sequentially manipulating out of said at least one hopper collapsed cartons having oppositely disposed face contacting panels and for initiating set up thereof into an open ended condition, said apparatus being operable with said carton engaging means which sequentially engaging one of said face contacting panels and for withdrawing from the hopper a collapsed carton which includes said one of said face contacting panels and transferring orbitally about a rotatable axis from said hopper to said first predetermined position, wherein said apparatus includes panel engagement means disposed outside the path of orbit for engaging the other of said face contacting panels so as to pull said other face contacting panel in a direction away from the carton pick up and transfer means thereby to initiate opening of the carton.
  • the panel engaging means is moved in a first plane by a linear servo motor.
  • said panel engaging means is mounted to a slide member in a substantially perpendicular relationship with a guide rail and wherein said slide member is moveable relative said guide rail whereby said panel engaging means is moveable in two planes.
  • said panel engaging means is moved in a second plane by a further linear servo motor.
  • control means are arranged to control the movement of the panel engaging means.
  • said panel engaging means comprises a suction cup and cup holder mounted onto said slide member, said suction cup being connected to a vacuum supply during said carton opening.
  • said face contacting panels comprise opposition side walls of the carton.
  • the packing means has an article feed means arranged to progress articles at a predetermined rate along a feed path for combination with cartons at a measured rate.
  • the article feed means includes a pair of star wheels which collect articles from a first feed belt and move them to a second feed belt at said predetermined rate.
  • gripper blocks are arranged on opposite sides of said second feed belt to collect a predetermined number of articles and arrange them as an individual unit for packaging into a carton.
  • the relative position of the first and second sets of guide lugs is arranged by control of one of the motors which power the first and second endless chains.
  • the position of said support means is arranged by the control of a pneumatic piston which positions said structure.
  • the method comprises the use of a control means which controls the operation of each of the components of the machine during operation and change over between cartons of different type or size.
  • the carton engaging means is positioned for engagement with cartons from a first hopper in a first position and is positioned for engagement with cartons from a second hopper, in a second position, the carton engagement means being movable between said first and second positions.
  • the method comprises placing one of said hoppers in an operative position and selecting the position of the carton engagement means corresponding to the operative hopper selected.
  • the method includes rotating said carton pick up and transfer means about a fixed axis in an orbital path.
  • the first and second pick up positions are located at different points on said orbital path.
  • the method comprises mounting said first and second hoppers on a frame such that each hopper is oppositely disposed about a second fixed axis.
  • the method includes the location of said operative hopper adjacent the orbital path of said carton pick up and transfer means, when in use.
  • the method comprises sequentially manipulating out of said at least one hopper collapsed cartons having oppositely disposed face contacting panels and initiating set up thereof into an open ended condition, by sequentially engaging one of said face contacting panels and withdrawing from the hopper a collapsed carton which includes said one of said face contacting panels and transferring orbitally about a rotatable axis from said hopper to said first predetermined position, wherein panel engagement means is disposed outside the path of orbit for engaging the other of said face contacting panels so as to pull said other face contacting panel in a direction away from the carton pick up means thereby initiating opening of the carton.
  • the method includes moving the engaging means in the first plane by a linear servo motor.
  • said method includes mounting said panel engaging means to a slide member in a substantially perpendicular relationship with said guide rail and moving said slide member relative said guide rail whereby said panel, engaging means is moveable in two planes.
  • said panel engaging means is moved in a second plane by a linear servo motor.
  • the method includes the use of control means arranged to control the movement of the panel engaging means.
  • the method includes the use of said panel engaging means which comprises a suction cup and cup holder mounted onto said slide member, and the connection of said suction cup to a vacuum supply during said carton opening.
  • said panel engaging means which comprises a suction cup and cup holder mounted onto said slide member, and the connection of said suction cup to a vacuum supply during said carton opening.
  • said face contacting panels comprise opposite side walls of the carton.
  • the method comprises the use of article feed means to progress articles at a predetermined rate along a feed path for combination with cartons at a measured rate.
  • the method comprises the use of a pair of star wheels to collect articles from a first feed belt and move them to a second feed belt at a predetermined rate.
  • the method comprises the use of gripper blocks on opposite sides of said second feed belt to collect a predetermined number of articles and arrange them as an individual unit for packaging into a carton.
  • control means for a packaging machine comprising a central processor , a manual input means, and separate means controlled by said central processor for individually positioning the first and second sets of guide lugs and the support means carrying said guide lugs on the paper feed chain.
  • the means for positioning the support means is a pneumatic cylinder.
  • control means is arranged for use with a packaging machine having two hoppers accessed by a single carton engaging means, wherein the control means comprises a means of positioning the carton engaging means in a first position for engaging cartons in said first hopper and a second position for engaging cartons in said second hopper.
  • the means for positioning the carton engaging means is operable to position the engaging means in a third position, from which the carton engaging means cannot engage cartons in either hopper.
  • said means is a pneumatic cylinder.
  • control means is arranged for use with a packaging machine having an opening means for opening cartons picked from each hopper, wherein the locus of motion of pick means on said opening means can be altered so that the opening means can open cartons picked from either hopper.
  • control means comprise X and Y oriented servo motors.
  • control means is arranged for use with a packaging machine having an article feed means in the form of a star wheel, the control means controlling the speed of rotation of the star wheel.
  • control means controls a motor which rotates the star wheel.
  • a control system for controlling the operation of a packaging machine, in order to change from first cartons in a first hopper to second cartons in a second hopper comprising the steps of:
  • the instruction to changeover is read from a pre-entered control program.
  • the instruction to changeover is manually entered into a control means.
  • the packaging machine has a means for opening cartons, which is also stopped during the changeover process.
  • the locus of movement of a pick means in said carton opening means is altered prior to restarting to enable the means to open cartons from said alternative hopper.
  • the pick-up point and locus of the pick means in the carton engaging means is altered during the changeover to enable picking of cartons from the alternative hopper.
  • the speed of supply of articles is alterable as required depending on the size or type of cartons in each of said hoppers.
  • the relative positions and state of motion of each of the movable components is sensed using individual sensors and transmitted to the control means.
  • a mechanism according to the present invention is capable of erecting a variety of carton type for example, wraparound, fully enclosed and basket type cartons. Any reference in this specification to carton type includes different sizes of a particular carton style. For example, the mechanism can load fully enclosed cartons for eight or twelve articles.
  • carton 10 is a basket type carrier shown in Figure 1b in a set up condition ready for lowering onto articles.
  • the carton 10 includes opposed side wall panels 12, 14 and opposed end wall panels 16, 18 hingeably connected one to the next.
  • the carton further includes a handle structure which inter-connects end wall panels 16, 18 and comprises transverse partition panels 22 inter-connecting each side wall 12, 14.
  • Base panels 24, 26 are hingeably connected to each side wall panel 12, 14 respectively.
  • FIG. 2a and 2b of the drawings there is illustrated a wrap around carton 31 , shown in Figure 2a in its flat collapsed form.
  • the carton blank includes opposed side wall panels 32, 34 and opposed end wall panels 36, 38 hingeably connected one to the next.
  • the carton further comprises top panels 40, 42 and base panels 44, 46 hingeably connected to respective side walls 32, 34.
  • Articles are inserted into the carton from above or, as the case may be, from below and the top and base panels are then secured together to provide a fully enclosed carton.
  • carton 31 is a wrap around type carton, shown in Figure 3a in its blank form.
  • a carton blank 31 includes first base panel 33, side wall 35, top panel 37, second side panel 39 and base panel 41 hingeably connected one to next.
  • Top panel 37 comprises three pairs of apertures 43, 45 spaced between the side edges of top panel 37 and adapted to receive upper portion of articles A, illustrated in Figure 3b.
  • FIG. 4 to 7 of the drawings there is shown a packaging machine 50 for processing cartons, for example, of the type outlined above.
  • the upstream end of the machine includes a dual hopper 52 in which a multiplicity of basket type and fully enclosed cartons 10, 30 in a collapsed condition are held ready for processing.
  • the hopper unit 52 (Fig 6 and 7) comprises two (or more) separate hoppers 58, 60 in adjacent positions. Each hopper 58, 60 is mounted onto a frame 62, as shown in Figure 6 and 7. The frame 62 is mounted onto a main shaft 64 which can be rotated about axis X - X. Each hopper 58, 60 is a gravity feed type whereby the carton blanks are held in their respective hoppers at an incline to provide a positive feed. It is envisaged that the hopper units could comprise any number of hoppers adapted to receive different carton types or sizes encircling the rotary feeder hereinafter described.
  • a n pneumatic cylinder (not shown) is used to rotate the frame between two positions: the first position, as shown in Figure 6, with the first hopper 58 placed in an operative position ready for fully enclosed cartons held in the first hopper to be fed into the packaging machine.
  • Figure 7 illustrates the frame 62 in a second position with the second hopper 60, containing the basket type cartons, placed in an operative position.
  • the position of the hoppers 58, 60 is controlled by a control means detailed below.
  • a pick up device preferably in the form of a rotary vacuum feeder 66.
  • the vacuum feeder 66 comprises sets of suction cups 67, 69, for example three sets, each being connected to a drive shaft 70 by a drive rod 72.
  • the drive shaft 70 is supported at its end by a suitable conventional bearing 71, 73, mounted to the side frame 84.
  • Suitable driving mechanism such as a servo motor 75 is provided to rotate the drive shaft.
  • the drive rods 72 are connected to a cam track by a cam rod and follower which provides a uniform path for the suction cups when the drive shaft is rotated. The path of the cam track enables the suction cups to extend towards the hopper to pick up a carton in a flat collapsed condition and thereafter to rotate the suction cups and carton to the infeed end of the machine.
  • a vacuum is applied to one set of suction cups 67, 69 to remove a carton from the hopper 58, 60, when they come into contact with the side wall 32 of the carton 30.
  • the vacuum is maintained as the carton is rotated to a predetermined position. At the said predetermined position a vacuum break disconnects the supply to release the carton 30 from the feeder 66.
  • the second hopper 60 is moved into an operative position, as described above. As the position of the second hopper relative to the rotary feeder 66 is different to the first hopper 58, it is necessary to move the "pick up" point of the suction cups 67, 69 and to alter the "on" and “off” positions of the vacuum supply. These changes are carried out by moving the cam track and/or the cam controlling the supply of a vacuum to a second position.
  • a servo motor 167, shown in figure 8 controlled by the control system moves these sub-assemblies between the two positions.
  • this position being the "default setting" whereby the vacuum supply is disconnected throughout the rotation of the suction cups.
  • the default position is adopted during carton changeover or if there is a fault in the machine.
  • Figure 8 illustrates the pick up device adapted for the withdrawal of the lower most collapsed carton from the hopper unit.
  • the preferred pick up device is in the form of a vacuum feeder 66 including suction cups 67, 69 which are supported on cup holders 74 and 76 respectively.
  • Cup holders 74 and 76 are preferably fixedly mounted respectively on an elongate support rod 78 which is slidably mounted respectively on a collar structure 80, which collar structure is rigidly secured to a main rotatable shaft 70.
  • the cup holders 74, 76 are mounted onto cam rods 79 extending into the side frame 84 housing a cam track hereinafter described.
  • three sets of carton pick up devices are provided in association with the main rotatable shaft 70. Only one set of such devices are described in detail because all three sets of pick up devices are of the same construction operating in an identical fashion.
  • Figure 9 serves to illustrate an exploded view of the rotary vacuum feeder.
  • a fixed cam plate 82 is mounted on the inner surface of side frame 84 and is provided with an aperture 86 through which the drive shaft 70 extends.
  • a cam track 88 is formed in the fixed cam plate 82 with cam followers (not shown) disposed within the cam track 88. The purpose of the cam track 88 is to facilitate the cam rods 79 to be extended away from the main shaft 70 and into contact with the carton thereby to remove one of the cartons from the hopper 58 and to rotate the carton in a uniform path to the paper feed chain 100, discussed below.
  • a back feeder is used to separate opposing side panels and to assist in the erection of the carton.
  • a plurality of vacuum breaks are provided in the feeder mechanism 66 which is used in conjunction with a vacuum supply to set the vacuum connection and cut off points.
  • the main shaft rotates the pick up device 66 in the direction indicated by the arrow "Z" in Figures 10 and 11.
  • the suction cups 67, 69 are moved into contact with a side wall 32 of the carton 30.
  • a vacuum is then applied to the set of suction cups when the cups come into contact with the side wall 32 of the carton 30.
  • the vacuum is maintained during this transfer state so that the suction cups hold the carton wall.
  • a vacuum break disconnects the vacuum supply from the suction cups to release the carton. The speed of operation of the apparatus is thus improved as well as its efficiency and durability.
  • the carton is moved from a collapsed position to a fully set up condition at the paperfeed chain 100 .
  • the final set up operation is due in part to engagement with a back feeder (or carton opening means) 90.
  • the engagement means comprises a suction cup 92 supported on a cup holder 94 which is mounted onto a slide member 96.
  • Suitable means is provided to move the engagement means in "X" and "Y" directions.
  • the slide member 96 is in turn mounted onto a transverse carriage 98 and is capable of being moved in a direction designated by the letter X.
  • the transverse carriage 98 is preferably connected to a guide rail 99 which is fixed to a support frame (not shown): the transverse carriage being adapted to move the suction cup and slide member in a direction designated by the letter Y.
  • the suction cup 92 is capable of moving towards or away from the rotary vacuum feeder 66 and in perpendicular direction to the orbital path Z of a carton.
  • limit stops may be included at the ends of the slide member and/or guide rail.
  • the slide member 96 is moved by suitable drive means for example a first linear servo motor (not shown) which is controlled by a suitable control system and the transverse carriage 98 is moved by second drive means for example a second linear servo motor (not shown) which is also controlled by the control system. Therefore, the position of the back feeder suction cup 92 can be moved to any desired position.
  • the control system is programmed to pre-set suitable X-Y co-ordinates and to define the path of the suction cup. More details of the control system are discussed below.
  • the back feeder 90 separates one or more of the walls 34 of the carton from the opposing wall 32 held by the rotary feeder 66.
  • the opposing walls used are the side walls 32, 34.
  • the suction cup 92 of the back feeder 90 is moved forward into contact with a side wall 34 of the collapsed carton 18, shown in Figure 10.
  • the point of contact is in a central portion of the wall being separated. Vacuum is applied to the suction cup 92 to hold the side wall 34.
  • the back feeder suction cup 92 moves away from the rotary feeder 66 to separate the two side walls, 32, 34 shown in Figure 11.
  • the leading pair of suction cups 67, 69 of the rotary feeder release the leading end panel 46.
  • the carton is folded into a part erected condition with the side and end walls being placed in substantially trapezoidal relationship.
  • the back feeder vacuum supply is then disconnected and the carton is released from the back feeder shown in Figure 13.
  • suction cup Whilst it is preferred to use a suction cup to hold one of the walls, some embodiments may adopt alternative components, for example, mechanical connection means.
  • the preferred "pick up" position of the back feeder suction cup 92 is at an approximately central point of the carton side panel. This position will vary according to the type of carton, and in particular the dimensional variations of the side and end walls for each carton type and for different carton sizes. Likewise, the path of the suction cup separate the two walls will also vary according to the particular carton type being erected. It is envisaged that the suction cup can follow an oscillatory path similar to that disclosed in WO 92/15450. Alternatively, a rotary path could be used for some cartons.
  • An advantage of the back feeder is the flexibility offered by the system.
  • the back feeder is able to move the suction cup 92 to any position to adopt any number of paths within the end stop limits of the slide member 96 and the transverse carriage 98.
  • An example of the paths followed together with velocity and acceleration components of the "X" and "Y" driving means is illustrated in Figures 14 and 15.
  • the position and paths of the suction cup 92 can be pre-set, thus reducing the amount of down time when interchanging carton types or styles. According to this invention, the speed of operation of the apparatus is improved as well as its efficiency and durability.
  • the carton 30 continues on its orbital path until it comes into contact with the paper feed chain 100.
  • the leading edge 102 of the carton 30 comes into abutment with the leading lug 104 of the paper feed chain 100.
  • the leading lug 104 guides the leading edge 102 away from the suction cups 67, 69 of the rotary feeder 66, thereby placing the front end panel 46 and side panel 34 in a substantially perpendicular relationship.
  • the rear lug 106 moves into contact with the rear end panel to assist in completing the set up.
  • the suction cups 67, 69 of the rotary feeder 66 release the carton 30 and continue to move in direction "Z" and the carton 30 is moved downstream to the loading station by the paper feed chain 100.
  • each set is of similar construction and includes endless chains having a plurality of leading and trailing lugs 104 and 106.
  • the upper chain 108 includes leading lugs 104 and the lower chain 110 comprises rear lugs 106.
  • Each chain set is moved forward by drive means, for example one or more servo motors controlled by the control system.
  • the servo motor controlling the lower chain moves the trailing lugs 106 relative to the leading lug 104 to increase or decrease the distance between the lugs.
  • the side walls of basket type carton are shorter than the fully enclosed carton so that if the carton changeover is from a fully enclosed to a basket type carton, then the distance D is reduced.
  • the opposite changeover means the distance D is increased. In this embodiment, the distance between leading and trailing lugs is increased or reduced by 10 cm.
  • the relative movement of the trailing lug 106 will alter the position at which the trailing lug 106 comes into contact with the rear end panel of the carton described above. It is necessary for the rear lug 106 to come into contact with the end panel whilst it is being rotated. If the rear lug 106 is moved forward, the point of contact is also moved forward. To restore the point of contact to the correct position, it is necessary to move the paper feed chain 100 backwards by the corresponding distance (i.e. 10 cm). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that if the rear lug 106 is moved away from the leading lug to increase distance D, then the paper feed chain will have to be moved forward by a corresponding distance. A pneumatic cylinder (not shown) is used to move the paper feed chain 100.
  • the erected carton is moved forward by the paper feed chain 100 and is held in place by a horizontal plate (not shown) and onto the carton lowering module 111.
  • the base panels 46 of the carton are then outwardly folded by guides positioned either side of the carton.
  • the cartons After the cartons have been set up, they are transferred to the loading station 120. Thus, the cartons leave engagement with the paper feed chain 100 and engagement is gradually transferred as the cartons move downstream to a carton lowering module 111, shown in Figures 4 and 5 .
  • the carton lowering module comprises a conveyor, for example, a pair of side lug chain sets 112 mounted on tables 113 respectively which are downwardly inclined towards the point of loading 114.
  • Each side lug chain set 112 is of similar construction includes an endless chain 115 powered by a motor, such as a servo motor.
  • Suitable means connected to the side lug chain sets are provided to periodically engage cartons supplied from the paper feed chain.
  • the carton engaging means comprises a plurality of guide pin lugs 116 mounted on the endless chain which are operable to engage the opposed base panels 24, 26 of a carton and to retain the base panels 24, 26, side panels 12, 14 and end panels 16, 18 in a set up condition as it moves downstream.
  • Each lug 116 is preferably substantially wedge shaped and comprises a support face 117 arranged at an acute angle with respect to a notional vertical plane.
  • a plurality of pins for example four pins 118 are mounted at spaced intervals along the support face 117.
  • Each pin 116 is positioned on the support face 117 so that during use they are received in corresponding apertures of the base panel being supported thereby to engage the carton.
  • only the leading three of the four pins are required for the basket type carton.
  • all of the pins are used.
  • a smaller carton may only require to be engaged by two of the pins.
  • the endless chain is moved by a motor, for example a servo motor.
  • a motor for example a servo motor.
  • the cartons 10 are maintained in a horizontal plane by the lugs 116 as they are lowered by the endless chain set 113 towards the loading station 120.
  • the lowering module can be used to load cartons with different configurations of articles, for example two rows or three rows. Accordingly, either or both chain sets and tables are moveable towards or away from each other, by means of a pneumatic cylinder (not shown). Further, the carton lowering module can be raised or lowered by hydraulically powered columns that support the tables. The pneumatic cylinder and/or hydraulically powered columns may be controlled by suitable control means.
  • Articles such as bottles 122 are fed into the machine by an end feed conveyor 124 and the line pressure of the bottles is controlled by an infeed star wheel 126, as is well known ( Figure 16).
  • the articles are separated into groups of the correct number per carton 30 by means of a series of article grippers 128 which also control the flow of the articles so that they can be introduced to the carton at the same rate as the carton flow.
  • article gripper assembly 128 positioned either side of the article conveyor, there is provided pairs of four blocks or spacer elements 131 mounted onto separate endless chains.
  • Each block comprises four semi-circular recesses 133 positioned one to the next and capable of receiving part of a bottle or can.
  • the endless chain is mounted on a table.
  • One or both of the gripper assemblies can be moved toward or away from the article conveyor according to whether two or three rows of articles are required. In this embodiment, gripper assembly is moved towards the second gripper assembly when it is desired to package two rows of articles.
  • each gripper assembly is adapted to grip part of those articles forming each outer row, as shown in Figure 16.
  • the distance between infeed star wheels is also narrowed to ensure that the article flow is restricted to two rows, when required or moved to allow three rows when required. In those cartons which required six articles arranged in two rows of three articles each, the leading rebate in each gripper block remains empty.
  • the articles gradually leave contact with the gripper assembly and are transferred to the loading station by means of article conveyor.
  • the cartons are introduced to the group of articles from above as the carton and article group are moved forward in unison.
  • the carton is lowered onto the articles due to the downward incline of the endless chain sets on the carton lowering module, as described above.
  • lateral movement of the carton in the loading station is controlled by a pair of guides positioned above each chain set and adapted to receive the free edges of each base panel.
  • Vertical movement of the carton is minimised by a pressure belt positioned above the endless chain sets and adapted to apply downward pressure to the handle structure or as the case may be the top panel. It is envisaged that in some embodiments, the pressure belt could be replaced by fixed guides or, where appropriate, vertically mounted endless chain and lug sets in accordance with common practice.
  • the cartons are transferred by means of the article conveyor and/or pressure belt to a further set of endless chains with side lugs 210 which are used to transfer the carton to the outfeed end of the machine.
  • the base panels are folded around to the underside of the carton by suitable folding means for example fixed guides (not shown) and are interconnected by a locking mechanism known in the art.
  • a second pressure belt 212 is provided to prevent unwanted upward movement of the carrier.
  • first and second pressure belts 206, 212 are also mounted on units shown in Figure 17 which are adjustable in a vertical plane by computer controlled servo motors.
  • the article grouping mechanism is adjusted as described above, to supply the required number of article rows.
  • the hopper 200 illustrated in Figure 17 holds a multiplicity of carton blanks 31 which are held ready for processing.
  • the blanks are then removed sequentially by a rotary vacuum feeder 202.
  • the vacuum feeder 202 is mounted horizontally and is similar in construction to the feeder outlined above. It is envisaged that suitable feeders known in the art may be used.
  • the rotary feeder is provided with a cam track which enables the carton being transferred to be placed directly on to the group of articles.
  • Suitable control means is used to control the transfer of cartons and articles so that their movement is coordinated.
  • the blank is removed from the hopper 200 and is fed one at a time to paper feed chain sets so that the base panels and side panels are supported.
  • the articles are introduced to the loading station 204 by the article conveyor in the same way as described above.
  • first pressure belt 206 which is positioned in a central region to lower the top panel and enable the neck portions of the articles to pass through the apertures.
  • first pressure belt is mounted onto a hydraulic platform 208, which is capable of being raised or lowered according to the carton type. Suitable control means is used to control the level of the platform.
  • the side panels 35 are folded into a substantially perpendicular relationship with top panel 39 by fixed guides (not shown) and the part erected carton is transferred to the second set of endless chains which transfer the carton to the outfeed end of the machine.
  • the second pressure belt 212 used to minimise movement of the top panel/handle structure, can be raised or lowered as appropriate to the carton.
  • the set of endless chains 210 are moved apart or brought closer together by means of horizontal adjustment which are controlled and powered by servo motors (not shown).
  • the base is constructed by known means 214 and, where appropriate, article retaining panels are formed by known means 216. Thus, the carton is secured to complete the packaging operation.
  • Figure 18 is a block circuit diagram illustrates the electrical and electronic control of the packing machine 50.
  • Figure 18 illustrates a control means 130 having a central processor 132, a manual input means 134 through which specific instructions can be programmed, and a display 136 which indicates useful information to the machine operator.
  • the central processor 132 and the display 136 can display operational information, such as, the speed of operation of the machine and its compliance with particular safety requirements, in the normal manner.
  • the central processor 132 and display 136 can also indicate information specific to the present machine, such as the feeder 58, 60 which is being used, the position of the guide lugs 104 and 106 and support means 112 and the position of the feeder 66 and the back feeder 90. All of this information is provided through sensors shown generally at 138.
  • control means 130 also controls the positions of the moveable components as well as the speed of movement of variable speed components.
  • the central processor 132 controls the motors 140 which power the feed means (drive belt, star wheel and blocks) which move articles 122 to be packed into (the infeed end of) the machine 50.
  • the processor 132 also controls the position of the feeder 66 through actuation of a pneumatic cylinder 142 as well as the position of the back feeder 90 through programmed and accurate control of X and Y servo motors 144.
  • the central processor 132 also controls the paper feed chain 100 through control either or both of the servo motors 146 which control the endless chains from which the guide lugs 104 and 106 are depended, as well as the pneumatic cylinder 148 which controls the position of the support structure 112.
  • Suitable control means can be included to position the support tables of the carton loading module at the desired location for a particular carton type or size by controlling the pneumatic cylinder and/or the hydraulically powered columns 96, 98.
  • the control means may also control the motors driving each of the endless chains to control and adjust the speed and to synchronise carton throughput according to the carton type and/or size.
  • control means may control the wraparound carton feeding and loading apparatus to place the apparatus in operative or inoperative conditions, as described above.
  • positions and speed of these devices can be input manually or a specific pre-written programme can be loaded into the central processor for control of the packaging machine. Also, for the controlled change over of the machine from one carton type or size to another can be the result of a pre-written program or a manual input signal, as discussed below.
  • the first stage in the system is to cause the feeder 66 to stop picking cartons from one of the hoppers 58, 60 (box 156). At this time the back feeder or carton opening means 90 is also stopped (box 158).
  • the paper feed chain 100 is continued to operate until empty of cartons. In the present invention this requires the four cartons placed between the first and second predetermined locations to be removed from the paper feed chain 100.
  • the feeder 66 is then repositioned for use with the other hopper 58, 60, as discussed above (box 170).
  • the program under which the locus of the cup 92 on the back feeder or carton opening apparatus 90 is operating is controlled so that this device will operate with the carton feeder 66 so as to open cartons from the hopper now being used (box 172).
  • the article feed means is controlled so that the appropriate number of articles is provided to the packing station 120 at the appropriate time, as discussed above, (box 174).
  • the packaging machine 50 can be restarted and cartons removed from the newly used hopper for filling in the usual fashion (box 176). It should be noted that the restart of the carton picking process and the article supply process are controlled such that no articles go unpacked and no cartons are supplied to the packing station without corresponding articles.
  • the invention is not limited to cartons for bottles.
  • the invention may be used with machines for packaging cans, paperboard "bricks" and other containers into cartons.
  • the present invention is able to process cartons comprising numerous configurations of groups of articles covering a range of carton size and shape, for example four, six; eight and twelve bottles without undue time being spent in adjusting the mechanism.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
  • Container Filling Or Packaging Operations (AREA)
  • Containers And Plastic Fillers For Packaging (AREA)
  • Making Paper Articles (AREA)
  • Wrapping Of Specific Fragile Articles (AREA)

Claims (57)

  1. Machine d'emballage (50) pour emballer des articles dans des cartons choisis parmi, au moins, un premier carton (10) ou un deuxième carton (30), lesdits premier et deuxième cartons étant d'un type ou d'une taille différent(e), lesdits cartons étant stockés dans au moins une trémie (58, 60), et saisis en vue du remplissage par un moyen d'accrochage de cartons adapté pour retirer les cartons de ladite au moins une trémie et les transporter séquentiellement jusqu'à une première position prédéfinie, d'où les cartons sont transférés jusqu'à une chaíne d'alimentation de papier (100) qui transporte les cartons jusqu'à une deuxième position prédéfinie, à partir de laquelle les cartons sont combinés avec lesdits articles, la chaíne d'alimentation de papier (100) comprenant un moyen de support portant une première chaíne sans fin (108) à laquelle est suspendu un premier ensemble d'oreilles de guidage (104) et une deuxième chaíne sans fin (110) à laquelle est suspendu un deuxième ensemble d'oreilles de guidage (106), lesdites oreilles de guidage étant interfoliées pour produire des zones de réception de carton, dont la longueur peut être modifiée, pour différent(e)s tailles ou types de cartons, en modifiant les positions relatives des premier et deuxième ensembles d'oreilles de guidage, et le moyen de support étant mobile de telle manière que lorsque les positions relatives des oreilles sont modifiées, cette modification peut être compensée de telle manière que la position du premier ensemble d'oreilles par rapport à ladite première position prédéfinie n'est pas modifiée.
  2. Machine d'emballage selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle la position relative des premier et deuxième ensembles d'oreilles de guidage (104, 106) est adaptée par une commande du moteur (140) qui alimente l'une des première et deuxième chaínes sans fin (108, 110).
  3. Machine d'emballage selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans laquelle la position dudit moyen de support est adaptée par la commande d'un vérin pneumatique (142, 148) qui positionne ladite structure.
  4. Machine d'emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant un moyen de commande (130) qui commande le fonctionnement de chacun des composants de la machine pendant le fonctionnement et le passage entre cartons de différent(e) type ou taille.
  5. Machine d'emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant une première trémie (58) pour stocker lesdits premiers cartons (10), et une deuxième trémie (60) pour stocker lesdits deuxièmes cartons (30), et un moyen de transfert (60) pour transférer les cartons de n'importe quelle trémie jusqu'à ladite première position prédéfinie, ledit moyen d'accrochage de cartons pouvant être actionné dans une première position pour prendre les cartons provenant de la première trémie et une deuxième position pour prendre les cartons provenant de la deuxième trémie.
  6. Machine d'emballage selon la revendication 5, comprenant un moyen pour placer l'une desdites trémies (58, 60) dans une position fonctionnelle et un moyen de commande (130) pour choisir la position du moyen d'adaptation de cartons correspondant à la trémie fonctionnelle choisie.
  7. Machine d'emballage selon la revendication 5 ou 6, dans laquelle ledit moyen de saisie et de transfert (66) de cartons peut tourner autour d'un axe fixe dans un trajet orbital.
  8. Machine d'emballage selon la revendication 8, dans laquelle les première et deuxième positions de saisie sont situées en des points différents du trajet orbital.
  9. Machine d'emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 à 8, comprenant un moyen pour placer l'une desdites trémies (58, 60) dans une position fonctionnelle sous la forme d'un cadre (62) monté sur un deuxième axe fixe (X-X) et où lesdites première et deuxième trémies sont montées sur le cadre, chaque trémie étant placée de manière opposée autour du deuxième axe fixe.
  10. Machine d'emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 à 9, dans laquelle ladite trémie fonctionnelle est adjacente au trajet orbital dudit moyen de saisie et de transfert (66) de cartons.
  11. Machine d'emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant un appareil pour extraire séquentiellement de ladite au moins une trémie (58, 60) des cartons pliés ayant des panneaux de contact de face placés en opposition et pour amorcer la mise en forme de ceux-ci dans un état à extrémités ouvertes, ledit appareil pouvant être actionné avec ledit moyen d'accrochage (67, 69) de cartons qui attrape séquentiellement l'un desdits panneaux de contact de face (34) et pour retirer de la trémie (58, 60) un carton plié qui comporte ledit un desdits panneaux de contact de face et transférer en orbite autour d'un axe fixe de ladite trémie à ladite première position prédéfinie, ledit appareil comportant un moyen d'accrochage de panneau (90) disposé à l'extérieur du trajet d'orbite pour attraper l'autre desdits panneaux de contact de face (32) afin de tirer ledit autre panneau de contact de face dans une direction s'éloignant du moyen de saisie et de transfert (66) de cartons pour amorcer de ce fait l'ouverture du carton.
  12. Machine d'emballage selon la revendication 11, dans laquelle le moyen d'accrochage de panneaux est déplacé dans un premier plan par un servomoteur linéaire.
  13. Machine d'emballage selon la revendication 11 ou 12, dans laquelle ledit moyen d'accrochage de panneaux est monté sur un élément coulissant (96) en une relation sensiblement perpendiculaire avec un rail de guidage (99) et où ledit élément coulissant est mobile par rapport audit rail de guidage grâce à quoi ledit moyen d'accrochage de panneaux est mobile dans deux plans.
  14. Machine d'emballage selon la revendication 13, dans laquelle ledit moyen d'accrochage de panneaux est déplacé dans un deuxième plan par un autre servomoteur linéaire.
  15. Machine d'emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 11 à 14, dans laquelle un moyen de commande (130) est adapté pour commander le mouvement du moyen d'accrochage de panneaux.
  16. Machine d'emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 13 à 15, dans laquelle ledit moyen d'accrochage de panneaux comprend une ventouse (92) et un porte-ventouse (94) montés sur ledit élément coulissant (96), ladite ventouse étant reliée à une source de vide pendant ladite ouverture de carton.
  17. Machine d'emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 11 à 16, dans laquelle lesdits panneaux de contact de face comprennent des parois latérales en opposition du carton.
  18. Machine d'emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comportant un moyen d'alimentation d'articles adapté pour faire avancer les articles à une vitesse prédéfinie le long d'un trajet d'alimentation en vue de la combinaison avec des cartons à une vitesse mesurée.
  19. Machine d'emballage selon la revendication 18, dans laquelle le moyen d'alimentation d'articles comporte une paire de roues en étoile (126) qui récupère les articles provenant d'une première courroie d'alimentation et les déplace jusqu'à une deuxième courroie d'alimentation à ladite vitesse prédéfinie.
  20. Machine d'emballage selon la revendication 19, dans laquelle des blocs de préhension (131) sont disposés sur les côtés opposés de ladite deuxième courroie d'alimentation pour récupérer un nombre prédéfini d'articles et les agencer en une unité individuelle destinée à être emballée dans un carton.
  21. Procédé d'emballage d'articles dans des cartons comprenant les étapes consistant à :
    a) choisir parmi, au moins, un premier carton (10) ou un deuxième carton (30), lesdits premier et deuxième cartons étant d'un type ou d'une taille différent(e), lesdits cartons étant stockés dans au moins une trémie (58, 60) ;
    b) saisir des cartons en vue du remplissage en utilisant un moyen d'accrochage de cartons adapté pour retirer les cartons de ladite au moins une trémie et les transporter séquentiellement jusqu'à une première position prédéfinie ;
    c) transférer lesdits cartons jusqu'à une chaíne d'alimentation de papier (100) qui transporte les cartons jusqu'à une deuxième position prédéfinie, à partir de laquelle les cartons sont combinés avec lesdits articles, la chaíne d'alimentation de papier (100) comprenant un moyen de support portant une première chaíne sans fin (108) à laquelle est suspendu un premier ensemble d'oreilles de guidage (104) et une deuxième chaíne sans fin (110) à laquelle est suspendu un deuxième ensemble d'oreilles de guidage, lesdites oreilles de guidage étant intercalées pour produire des zones de réception de carton, dont la longueur peut être modifiée, pour différent(e)s tailles ou types de cartons ;
    d) modifier ladite longueur en modifiant les positions relatives des premier et deuxième ensembles d'oreilles de guidage (104, 106) ; et
    e) déplacer le moyen de support lorsque les positions relatives des oreilles sont modifiées, de manière à compenser ladite modification, de telle manière que la position du premier ensemble d'oreilles par rapport à ladite première position prédéfinie n'est pas modifiée.
  22. Procédé selon la revendication 21, dans lequel la position relative des premier et deuxième ensembles d'oreilles de guidage (104, 106) est adaptée par une commande de l'un des moteurs (140) qui alimentent les première et deuxième chaínes sans fin (108, 110).
  23. Procédé selon la revendication 21 ou 22, dans lequel la position dudit moyen de support est adaptée par la commande d'un vérin pneumatique qui positionne ladite structure.
  24. Procédé selon les revendications 21 à 23 utilisant un moyen de commande (130) qui commande le fonctionnement de chacun des composants de la machine pendant le fonctionnement et le passage entre cartons de différent(e) type ou taille.
  25. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 21 à 24, dans lequel le moyen d'accrochage de cartons est positionné en vue d'attraper des cartons provenant d'une première trémie (58) dans une première position et est positionné en vue d'attraper des cartons provenant d'une deuxième trémie (60), dans une deuxième position, le moyen d'accrochage de cartons étant mobile entre lesdites première et deuxième positions.
  26. Procédé selon la revendication 25, comprenant le fait de placer l'une desdites trémies (58, 60) dans une position fonctionnelle et de choisir la position du moyen d'accrochage de cartons correspondant à la trémie fonctionnelle choisie.
  27. Procédé selon la revendication 25 ou 26, dans lequel ledit moyen de saisie et de transfert (66) de cartons peut tourner autour d'un axe fixe dans un trajet orbital.
  28. Procédé selon la revendication 25, dans lequel les première et deuxième positions de saisie sont situées en des points différents du trajet orbital.
  29. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 26 à 28 comprenant le fait de monter lesdites première et deuxième trémies (58, 60) sur un cadre (62) de telle manière que chaque trémie est placée de manière opposée autour d'un deuxième axe fixe.
  30. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 26 à 29,
    dans lequel ladite trémie fonctionnelle est adjacente au trajet orbital dudit moyen de saisie et de transfert de cartons en utilisation.
  31. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 21 à 30 comprenant le fait d'extraire séquentiellement de ladite au moins une trémie (58, 60) des cartons pliés ayant des panneaux de contact (32, 34) de face placés en opposition et d'amorcer la mise en forme de ceux-ci dans un état à extrémités ouvertes, en attrapant séquentiellement l'un desdits panneaux de contact de face (34) et en retirer de la trémie un carton plié qui comporte ledit un desdits panneaux de contact de face et en transférant en orbite autour d'un axe fixe de ladite trémie jusqu'à ladite première position prédéfinie, ledit moyen d'accrochage de panneau (90) étant disposé à l'extérieur du trajet d'orbite pour attraper l'autre desdits panneaux de contact de face afin de tirer ledit autre panneau de contact de face (32) dans une direction s'éloignant du moyen de saisie et de transfert (66) de cartons pour amorcer de ce fait l'ouverture du carton.
  32. Procédé selon la revendication 31, comprenant le fait de déplacer le moyen d'accrochage dans le premier plan au moyen d'un servomoteur linéaire.
  33. Procédé selon la revendication 31 ou 32, comprenant le fait de monter ledit moyen d'accrochage de panneaux sur un élément coulissant (96) en une relation sensiblement perpendiculaire avec ledit rail de guidage (99) et de déplacer ledit élément coulissant par rapport audit rail de guidage grâce à quoi ledit moyen d'accrochage de panneaux est mobile dans deux plans.
  34. Procédé selon la revendication 33, comprenant le fait de déplacer ledit moyen d'accrochage de panneaux dans un deuxième plan au.moyen d'un servomoteur linéaire.
  35. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 31 à 34, dans lequel un moyen de commande (130) est adapté pour commander le mouvement du moyen d'accrochage de panneaux.
  36. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 31 à 35, dans lequel ledit moyen d'accrochage de panneaux comprend une ventouse (92) et un porte-ventouse (94) montés sur ledit élément coulissant (96), et relie ladite ventouse à une source de vide pendant ladite ouverture de carton.
  37. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 31 à 36, dans lequel lesdits panneaux de contact de face comprennent des parois latérales en opposition du carton.
  38. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 31 à 37, comprenant le fait de placer un moyen d'alimentation d'articles pour faire avancer les articles à une vitesse prédéfinie le long d'un trajet d'alimentation en vue de la combinaison avec des cartons à une vitesse mesurée.
  39. Procédé selon la revendication 38, comprenant le fait d'utiliser une paire de roues en étoile (126) pour récupérer les articles provenant d'une première courroie d'alimentation et les déplacer jusqu'à une deuxième courroie d'alimentation à une vitesse prédéfinie.
  40. Procédé selon la revendication 39, comprenant le fait de disposer des blocs de préhension (131) sur les côtés opposés de ladite deuxième courroie d'alimentation pour récupérer un nombre prédéfini d'articles et les agencer en une unité individuelle destinée à être emballée dans un carton.
  41. Moyen de commande (130) pour une machine d'emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 20, le moyen de commande comprenant un processeur central (132), un moyen d'entrée manuelle (134), et un moyen séparé commandé par ledit processeur central pour positionner individuellement les premier et deuxième ensembles d'oreilles de guidage (104, 106) et le moyen de support portant lesdites oreilles de guidage sur la chaíne d'alimentation de papier (100).
  42. Moyen de commande selon la revendication 41, dans lequel le moyen pour positionner le moyen de support est un vérin pneumatique (142, 148).
  43. Moyen de commande selon la revendication 41 ou 42, destiné à être utilisé avec une machine d'emballage comportant deux trémies (58, 60) auxquelles accède un seul moyen d'accrochage de cartons, dans lequel le moyen de commande (130) comprend un moyen pour positionner le moyen d'accrochage de cartons dans une première position pour attraper des cartons dans ladite première trémie et une deuxième position pour attraper des cartons dans ladite deuxième trémie.
  44. Moyen de commande (130) selon la revendication 43, dans lequel le moyen pour positionner le moyen d'accrochage de cartons peut être actionné pour positionner le moyen d'accrochage dans une troisième position, à partir de laquelle le moyen d'accrochage de cartons ne peut attraper de cartons dans aucune des trémies (58, 60).
  45. Moyen de commande selon la revendication 43 ou 44, dans lequel ledit moyen pour positionner le moyen d'accrochage de cartons est un vérin pneumatique (142, 148).
  46. Moyen de commande selon l'une quelconque des revendications 43 à 45, destiné à être utilisé avec une machine d'emballage comportant un moyen d'ouverture (90) pour ouvrir les cartons pris dans chaque trémie, le lieu de déplacement du moyen de saisie sur ledit moyen d'ouverture (90) pouvant être modifié de sorte que le moyen d'ouverture peut ouvrir des cartons pris dans n'importe laquelle des trémies.
  47. Moyen de commande selon la revendication 46, dans lequel le moyen de commande (130) comprend des servomoteurs orientés selon X et Y.
  48. Moyen de commande selon l'une quelconque des revendications 41 à 47, destiné à être utilisé avec une machine d'emballage comportant un moyen d'alimentation d'articles sous la forme d'une roue en étoile (126), le moyen de commande (130) commandant la vitesse de rotation de la roue en étoile.
  49. Moyen de commande selon la revendication 48, dans lequel le moyen de commande (130) commande un moteur (140) qui fait tourner la roue en étoile (126).
  50. Système de commande pour commander le fonctionnement d'une machine d'emballage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 20, afin de passer de premiers cartons (10) présents dans une première trémie (58) à des deuxièmes cartons (30) présents dans une deuxième trémie (60), comprenant les étapes consistant à :
    a) arrêter la saisie de cartons par le moyen d'accrochage de cartons ;
    b) faire continuer la chaíne d'alimentation de papier (100) jusqu'à ce qu'elle ne comporte plus de carton ;
    c) arrêter la chaíne d'alimentation de papier (100) ;
    d) arrêter l'alimentation en articles ;
    e) repositionner le moyen d'accrochage de cartons et les trémies pour permettre la saisie dans l'autre trémie ;
    f) modifier la position relative des premier et deuxième ensembles d'oreilles de guidage (104, 106) dans ladite chaíne d'alimentation de papier ;
    g) modifier la position du moyen de support par rapport à ladite première position prédéfinie ; et
    h) redémarrer le processus de saisie et de transport de cartons et l'alimentation en articles.
  51. Système de commande selon la revendication 50, dans lequel l'instruction de changement est lue dans un programme de commande préenregistré.
  52. Système de commande selon la revendication 50, dans lequel l'instruction de changement est entrée manuellement dans un moyen de commande (130).
  53. Système de commande selon l'une quelconque des revendications 50 à 52, dans lequel la machine d'emballage comporte un moyen pour ouvrir les cartons, qui est également arrêté pendant le processus de changement.
  54. Système de commande selon la revendication 53, dans lequel le lieu de déplacement d'un moyen de saisie dans ledit moyen d'ouverture (90) de cartons est modifié avant le redémarrage pour permettre au moyen d'ouvrir des cartons provenant de ladite autre trémie.
  55. Système de commande selon l'une quelconque des revendications 50 à 54, dans lequel le point de saisie et le lieu du moyen de saisie dans le moyen d'accrochage de cartons est modifié pendant le changement pour permettre la saisie de cartons provenant de l'autre trémie.
  56. Système de commande selon l'une quelconque des revendications 50 à 55, dans lequel la vitesse d'alimentation des articles peut être modifiée à volonté en fonction de la taille ou du type de cartons présents dans chacune desdites trémies.
  57. Système de commande selon l'une quelconque des revendications 50 à 56, dans lequel les positions relatives et l'état de déplacement de chacun des composants mobiles sont relevés en utilisant des capteurs individuels (138) et transmis au moyen de commande (130).
EP98948359A 1997-09-19 1998-09-21 Machine d'emballage Expired - Lifetime EP1036000B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9719954 1997-09-19
GBGB9719954.1A GB9719954D0 (en) 1997-09-19 1997-09-19 A packaging machine
PCT/US1998/019606 WO1999014120A1 (fr) 1997-09-19 1998-09-21 Machine d'emballage

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1036000A1 EP1036000A1 (fr) 2000-09-20
EP1036000B1 true EP1036000B1 (fr) 2003-07-16

Family

ID=10819334

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98948359A Expired - Lifetime EP1036000B1 (fr) 1997-09-19 1998-09-21 Machine d'emballage

Country Status (17)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1036000B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP4098471B2 (fr)
KR (1) KR100666802B1 (fr)
CN (1) CN1121333C (fr)
AT (1) ATE245107T1 (fr)
AU (1) AU734507B2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2303906C (fr)
DE (1) DE69816477T2 (fr)
DK (1) DK1036000T3 (fr)
ES (1) ES2203987T3 (fr)
GB (1) GB9719954D0 (fr)
HK (1) HK1030915A1 (fr)
HU (1) HU224284B1 (fr)
IL (1) IL135143A0 (fr)
PL (1) PL188676B1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1999014120A1 (fr)
ZA (1) ZA988592B (fr)

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2380157B (en) * 2001-09-28 2005-06-08 Pitney Bowes Ltd Envelope or other elongate element processing
US6860955B2 (en) 2001-12-14 2005-03-01 Pitney Bowes Ltd. Envelope or other elongate element processing
EP2199216A1 (fr) * 2008-12-22 2010-06-23 Treemar Llc Machine et procédé d'emballage avec bandes de carton
CN102678872A (zh) * 2012-06-04 2012-09-19 浙江理工大学 共轭凸轮连杆组合装箱机构
JP5897999B2 (ja) * 2012-06-20 2016-04-06 東洋自動機株式会社 コンベアマガジン式空袋供給装置
JP6770438B2 (ja) * 2014-06-25 2020-10-14 パノテック エス．アール．エル． パッケージを製造するための工場設備および方法
US11308534B2 (en) * 2019-04-05 2022-04-19 Packsize Llc Automated third-party cost estimation and production
IT201900018107A1 (it) * 2019-10-07 2021-04-07 Brianpack S R L Manigliatrice per l’applicazione di maniglie ad imballaggi stesi
CN114735310B (zh) * 2022-04-14 2023-08-15 浙江辉煌三联实业股份有限公司 一种锯链自动包装生产线及包装工艺
CN115359708A (zh) * 2022-07-29 2022-11-18 广域铭岛数字科技有限公司 一种包装流程演示方法

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2909874A (en) * 1957-08-27 1959-10-27 Redington Co F B Packaging machine
US4081945A (en) * 1976-11-15 1978-04-04 The Mead Corporation Packaging machine for use with cartons of different sizes with minimum adjustment
US4089150A (en) * 1977-05-23 1978-05-16 Heisler Raymond A Apparatus and method for case packing small containers and articles
DE3606093A1 (de) * 1986-02-26 1987-08-27 Bosch Gmbh Robert Vorrichtung zum vereinzeln und aufrichten von faltschachteln
JP2735883B2 (ja) * 1989-06-15 1998-04-02 三菱重工業株式会社 よこ型小箱詰機

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN1121333C (zh) 2003-09-17
HUP0100181A2 (hu) 2001-05-28
ZA988592B (en) 1999-03-23
DK1036000T3 (da) 2003-10-27
EP1036000A1 (fr) 2000-09-20
AU734507B2 (en) 2001-06-14
DE69816477D1 (de) 2003-08-21
JP2002522300A (ja) 2002-07-23
HK1030915A1 (en) 2001-05-25
JP4098471B2 (ja) 2008-06-11
GB9719954D0 (en) 1997-11-19
ATE245107T1 (de) 2003-08-15
WO1999014120A9 (fr) 2002-09-26
KR100666802B1 (ko) 2007-01-09
PL339412A1 (en) 2000-12-18
PL188676B1 (pl) 2005-03-31
KR20010024180A (ko) 2001-03-26
IL135143A0 (en) 2001-05-20
CA2303906A1 (fr) 1999-03-25
DE69816477T2 (de) 2004-05-27
CN1278769A (zh) 2001-01-03
AU9494798A (en) 1999-04-05
CA2303906C (fr) 2006-09-05
WO1999014120A1 (fr) 1999-03-25
HUP0100181A3 (en) 2001-06-28
HU224284B1 (hu) 2005-07-28
ES2203987T3 (es) 2004-04-16

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