EP3070007A1 - System for filling a container with flat articles allowing a plurality of packaging configurations - Google Patents

Abstract

The proposed concept relates to an automatic system (100) for packaging flat objects (104) in a container (140), for example folding boxes, in the conventional "glue-up" type configuration. and / or in one or two additional new configurations, for example: "glue tab down" and "glue tab down with reverse boxes". The system (100) can be designed on the basis of an automatic packer with forced angle transfer and vertical accumulation but with the particularity that it can still be designed to perform one or both additional packaging modes according to the needs of the OEM customers, thus allowing the packaging of the objects (104) in the additional configurations "glue tab down" and / or "glue tab down with reverse boxes".

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The technical field relates to the treatment of flat objects, for example folding boxes in planar configuration, and which are arranged in overlap so as to optimize handling, including transport and storage in a container.

STATE OF THE ART

In the packaging industry, the manufacture of folding boxes is usually done on a production line by folding and gluing cuts by means of machines commonly called folder-gluers. Generally, the folding boxes are arranged to form a continuous web at the exit of a folder-gluer. The boxes are then in a flat configuration, that is to say that the different panels of each box are folded to essentially eliminate all their internal volume and thus minimize the space occupied before their first use. Each box in planar configuration then has a length, a width and a thickness, which thickness is significantly smaller than the length and the width.

Folding boxes made in a factory are not necessarily used immediately and in the same place where they were made. It is therefore common to keep them in a flat configuration and put them in a container. The container may be for example a corrugated cardboard box that can receive a multitude of flat objects in order to be able to transport and store them before their first use. Other types of containers may also be used instead of a carton box.

When the flat objects are folding boxes, they may include automatic bottom boxes, which have a natural tendency to slightly open when they rest individually on a flat surface. This facilitates handling by the equipment when using the boxes but will often complicate their packaging immediately after manufacture.

On the other hand, although folding boxes are examples of flat objects in this text, other types of flat objects can be used in the proposed concept.

After being manufactured in a folder-gluer, the folding boxes are usually arranged overlapping on a conveyor. This conveyor is generally in the form of a treadmill disposed horizontally and receiving the boxes on its upper surface in motion. The overlapping of the boxes is achieved by partially overlapping them in the direction of travel of the conveyor. The stream of overlapping boxes forms what is called a tablecloth. A web generally has a multitude of overlapping boxes in planar configuration. The web at the exit of the folder-gluer is called the initial web. A web may be continuous or discontinuous. A web is discontinuous when two successive boxes are spaced on a conveyor. In some cases, a discontinuous sheet could also include only one box.

It is common that a folding box in planar configuration, or any other flat object of the same kind, is not of a uniform thickness on all its surface. For example, one of its edges may be thicker than one or more other edges. This difference in thickness is cumulative during a stack and a package created by stacking a number of boxes (or other flat objects) will not be uniform in size when placed in the container. However, it is possible to invert the direction of packets in a container in order to reduce, sometimes even eliminate, the loss of space caused by an irregular shape of packets.

The machines used for the containerization operation are hereinafter referred to as "packers". There are different types of packers, for example semi-automatic packagers where each machine is assisted in the handling of boxes by an operator, and automatic packagers where the handling is done only by the packer, without human intervention.

There are also different types of automatic packaging machines, especially for folding cartons made of cardboard. Some models offer only one packaging configuration and others can accommodate up to three packaging configurations. In general, packagers with only one packaging configuration, for example the Bobst ™ CartonPack ™, the Masterworks ™ MK550P AutoPack ™, or Signature ™ SIG Pack ™, use forced angle transfer and vertical accumulation as a principle of operation. These systems treat conventional boxes in standard packaging well, i.e., when the boxes have the glue tab facing upward when in the container. However, in order to obtain a packaging configuration with a glue tab downwards, the passage in a square transfer module requires a 180 ° pre-rotation of the sheet of boxes, which is much more constraining to make a transfer to the square or a rotation of 90 °. In addition, known packagers can not effectively process pre-inverted automatic fund boxes because of vertical accumulation.

• suite au transfert à l'équerre à droite obligée, il est difficile de bien guider et de faire monter des boîtes inversées à la quasi-verticale par le même endroit que celles qui ne sont pas inversées. Cette montée fonctionne généralement bien avec des boîtes qui sont toujours dans la même orientation, mais pour des boîtes inversées, la différence dans l'emplacement du centre de masse des nappes de boîtes fait en sorte que la rétention entre les courroies peut être bonne pour des boîtes dans un sens et mauvaise pour des boîtes dans l'autre sens. Il en résulte une difficulté d'ajustement et des risques de subir des bourrages fréquents en fonctionnement.
• pour que l'accumulation à la verticale fonctionne là où cela est requis dans l'empaqueteur, il est nécessaire d'avoir un flot continuel de boîtes. Ceci implique donc que les boîtes qui sont comptées une première fois et séparées par paquets (par exemple, selon une quantité de vingt-cinq boîtes par paquet) doivent être comptées une deuxième fois et séparées par rangée ou par récipient (par exemple, selon une quantité de cent par récipient). Cette deuxième opération n'est pas problématique en soi, mais peut avoir les conséquences suivantes :
  • contrairement à la première opération de comptage, cette deuxième opération de comptage se fait sur des paquets dont certains seront des paquets de boîtes inversées. Or, en présence à la fois de boîtes inversées et non inversées, des erreurs peuvent survenir avec les détecteurs laser qui sont généralement utilisés pour le comptage de ces boîtes car les boîtes dans les deux orientations ne sont pas perçues de la même façon par ces détecteurs.
  • la séparation à faire entre la dernière boîte d'un paquet et la première boîte du paquet suivant est plus difficile lorsque les paquets adjacents sont inversés l'un par-rapport à l'autre car l'épaisseur des boîtes varie latéralement. Il peut donc arriver, même lorsque le comptage est adéquat, que la séparation physique des boîtes ne se produise pas au bon endroit.

Packaging tests carried out with boxes forming inverted packets and which have been carried out on known automatic packaging machines have made it possible to note the following:

• after the transfer to the right-angled square, it is difficult to guide well and to raise inverted boxes almost vertically by the same place as those which are not reversed. This climb generally works well with boxes that are always in the same orientation, but for inverted boxes, the difference in the center of mass location of the can plies ensures that the retention between the belts can be good for boxes in one direction and bad for boxes in the other direction. This results in a difficulty of adjustment and the risk of frequent jams in operation.
• for vertical accumulation to work where it is required in the packer, it is necessary to have a continual flow of boxes. This implies that boxes that are counted once and separated into packets (for example, in a quantity of twenty-five boxes per pack) must be counted a second time and separated by row or container (for example, according to a amount of one cent per container). This second operation is not problematic in itself, but can have the following consequences:
  • unlike the first counting operation, this second counting operation is done on packets some of which will be packets of inverted boxes. However, in the presence of both inverted and non-inverted boxes, errors can occur with the laser detectors that are generally used for counting these boxes because the boxes in both orientations are not perceived in the same way by these detectors.
  • the separation to be made between the last box of a package and the first box of the next package is more difficult when the adjacent packets are inverted relative to each other because the thickness of the boxes varies laterally. It may therefore happen, even when the count is adequate, that the physical separation of the boxes does not occur in the right place.

These two phenomena can produce a counting error and make sure that there will not be the right number of boxes in the container. When this occurs, a phase shift in the beginning and end of the inverted packets may occur. And even if the inverting device is still constant in its number of boxes per packet, a single count error at the packer will cause a recurring phase shift on all subsequent containers, unless for example a manual intervention by a operator or an elaborate algorithm of automatic control.

The following documents provide examples of different approaches to repositioning objects and packaging them, such as folding boxes: WO 2007098915 , US 4656815 , WO 2009110979 , US 5078260 , US 7360636 , WO 2013063701 .

Another challenge in the design of packaging equipment is to allow new configurations without necessarily excluding existing configurations or having to remake the entire equipment. The same basic equipment could serve different needs. In addition, the use of several existing equipment to train new is an approach that can save significant time and money because it avoids having to make the design completely new. This approach also often favors the versatility of new equipment compared to those designed for a single configuration. However, it is not the simplest because you have to combine, in the right way, the right equipment and the right technologies. Integrating two things can create many additional challenges.

In general, improvements in the area concerned are still desirable.

SUMMARY

The proposed concept relates to an automatic flat object processing system for packaging articles in a container, for example folding boxes in the conventional "glue tab up" configuration and / or in one or two new additional configurations, for example: "glue tab down" and "glue tab down with reverse boxes". The system can be designed on the basis of an automatic packer with forced angle transfer and vertical accumulation but with the particularity that it can still be designed to perform one or both additional packaging modes as needed customers of the equipment manufacturer, therefore to allow the packaging of boxes in additional configurations "glue tab down" and / or "glue tab down with reverse boxes".

According to the embodiment chosen, the system can make it possible to effectively package the folding boxes, especially those of the automatic bottom type, to allow one or two additional packaging modes to be added by using the base of an existing automatic transfer packer. to the forced angle and vertical accumulation, and / or allow the addition of these new functions in the form of an inverter device that can be integrated or not an existing packager with the minimum of modifications.

In another aspect, the proposed concept includes arranging an inverter device for can webs in the direction of arrival of the boxes to a packer and that the inverter device can be placed obliquely to also move the webs vertically.

More details on the different aspects of the proposed concept and on the different possible combinations of technical features will be apparent from the detailed description which follows and the corresponding figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

• The figure 1 is a schematic view of an example of a packaging system with three modes of packaging, the system being illustrated while the boxes are placed in the container at the exit of the system according to a standard mode, namely that where the boxes are oriented "glue tab up" inside the container.
• The figure 2 is a view similar to the figure 1 but in which the boxes are placed in a container in a "glue-down" mode.
• The figure 3 is a view similar to the figure 2 but in which the boxes are placed in the "glue tab down with inverted boxes" mode in the container.
• The figure 4 illustrates an example of the contents of the container having a plurality of packets of variable thickness boxes which are derived from the operations illustrated in FIGS. figures 2 and 3 .
• The figure 5 is a non-schematic isometric view of a packaging system that corresponds to that schematically illustrated in FIGS. figure 1 to 3 .
• The figure 6 is a view similar to the figure 5 but from another angle.
• The figures 7 and 8 correspond to the figures 1 and 2 Canadian patent no. 2584937 and its equivalent in the United States, namely patent no. 7360636 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figure 1 is a schematic view of an example of a packaging system 100 according to the proposed concept. This system 100 allows the packaging of folding boxes in three different modes of packaging. This system 100 partly uses an existing packager but to which modifications have been made in order to improve its operation. Reference numeral 102 generally designates the section of system 100 that corresponds to the packager.

It should be noted that figure 1 , as well as the other two following figures, are simplified representations to understand the general operation. In addition, the various figures comprise a geometric reference 200 with the coordinates XYZ. The marker 200 makes it possible to compare the views between them.

Flat objects, which are folding boxes 104 in planar configuration in this example, arrive in a sheet on an input conveyor 106, for example from a folder-gluer. This Input conveyor 106 routes boxes 104 to system 100 and, depending on the mode, also routes boxes 104 to packer 102. Note that the second half of the input conveyor 106 could also be a second conveyor placed between the end of the input conveyor 106 and the packer 102. The two cases are equivalent.

The boxes 104 arriving from the input conveyor 106 pass through a counting device 120 which counts the number of boxes 104 on arrival at the system 100. The counting device 120 could also be placed much further upstream of the system 100. boxes 104 placed on the input conveyor 106 then form a continuous web 110.

To the figure 1 , the continuous web 110 passes in a straight line through a switching device 122 and continues on a second conveyor 107 following a first path (T1). The system 100 is configured for a conditioning mode hereinafter referred to as the "standard mode". The standard mode corresponds to the usual mode of operation of a known packager and is the one where the boxes 104 will be oriented "glue tab upwards" in the container.

The boxes 104 of the sheet 110 illustrated in FIG. figure 1 arrive at the packer 102 in a transfer module 130. This transfer module 130 is of the type to the left to the obligatory left. In this example, the boxes 104 change direction and accumulate immediately after near vertical in an accumulation zone 132. The boxes 104 in the accumulation zone 132 are counted and then separated by a counting device. separation 134 from which they are sent in an arch conveyor 135 in the form of discontinuous sheet 112, still following the first path (T1), to a container 140 placed at the exit of the packer 102. Each discontinuous sheet 112 comprises a predetermined number of boxes 104 which will form a package to be placed in the container 140. Each sheet 112 passes in particular a switching device 136 and then on a curved filling arm 138. The filling arm 138 in this example allows the boxes 104 to fall into the open top container 140, which container is located on a filling station 146 (see FIGS. figures 5 and 6 ) which moves it in the filling direction indicated by the arrow 142 while the boxes 104 fall vertically. The direction is only an example. The container 140 can receive several packets before being considered as being filled, after which it will be replaced by an empty container in turn to be filled.

The container 140 in the example is a box of rectangular shaped cardboard and open upwards. The box comprises flaps that allow to close the container 140. Other forms of containers and / or types of containers and / or materials are also possible. In addition, it is possible to arrange the filling arm 138 and the container 140 in a manner different from that shown in the example, which includes for example a loading of the boxes 104 in the container 140 while it is on the side. Several other variants are possible.

The figure 2 is a view similar to the figure 1 but in which the boxes 104 are placed in a container 140 according to another mode of conditioning called hereinafter the "glue leg mode down". The boxes 104 will therefore be oriented differently from those which have been conveyed to the container 140 of the figure 1 . They follow a second path of boxes (T2).

The boxes 104 in the example illustrated in FIG. figure 2 arrive on the input conveyor 106 and are counted by the counting device 120. However, these boxes 104 exit the switching device 122 through another outlet to form a discontinuous sheet 114 which will be sent on a climbing conveyor 150. The boxes 104 of the web 114 will form a package. The climbing conveyor 150 is diagonally upwardly and conveys the web 114 to the packer 102, more precisely to a transfer module 152.

In the example, the climbing conveyor 150 is part of an inverter device 108. This is a piece of equipment based in part on existing equipment, such as that presented in Canadian patent no. 2584937 issued on 29 April 2014 and in its equivalent in the United States, namely 7360636 issued April 22, 2008. Variants are also possible.

The transfer module 152 at the figure 2 is of the type transfer to the square to the right obliged. The boxes 104 of the web 114 change direction during their passage in the transfer module 152, then they are conveyed to the output of the packer 102 by a conveyor 154. It should be noted that the transfer module 152 and the Conveyor 154 are items that were not in the original packager at the base of the one now used in system 100 shown as an example. The modification made possible to create a second box entry 104 in the packer 102 without having to remove or modify the existing entry, namely that corresponding to the transfer module 130. 104 boxes 104 of the web do not have to go through the transfer module 130, which can be very advantageous.

Boxes 104 following the second path (T2) shown in FIG. figure 2 pass through the switching device 136 which redirects the web 114 to the filling arm 138 from which the boxes 104 will fall into the container 140. The container 140 moves in the filling direction indicated by the arrow 144 during its filling . These boxes 104 are thus packaged in the container 140 with an orientation of 180 ° with respect to the boxes 104 which followed the first path (T1) illustrated in FIG. figure 1 .

The figure 3 is a view similar to the figure 2 but in which the boxes 104 follow a third path of boxes (T3). They will also have an orientation where the glue tab is down, like those of the figure 2 . However, while having the glue tab down, the direction of the boxes 104 following the third box path (T3) is reversed by 180 degrees in comparison with that of the boxes 104 which will have followed the second path (T2) shown. to the figure 2 . The conditioning mode of the figure 3 is hereinafter called "glue tab down with inverted boxes". Therefore, the boxes 104 that will have followed the third path (T3) shown at figure 3 will be doubly inverted compared to those that will have followed the first path (T1) shown at figure 1 .

The boxes 104 in the example illustrated in FIG. figure 3 arrive from the input conveyor 106 and are counted by the counting device 120. However, these boxes will exit the switching device 122 by a third output which will send them on a first section of conveyors 160. The boxes 104 will form a discontinuous web 116. This first section 160 is part of the inverter device 108 in this example and may include several conveyors.

The end of the first section 160 is located at a height that can receive all the boxes 104 of the web 116 before the web 116 can be redirected in another direction to the packer 102. This operation will allow to reverse the direction of the boxes 104 of the web 116. The web 116 will exit through a second section 162 of conveyors. The last box 104 of the tablecloth 116 will then become the first one. The inverted web 116 will be directed to the transfer module 152, namely the same as the one having received the boxes 104 of the second path (T2).

It should be noted that a packet could be formed by the boxes 104 of several small successive layers 116 to allow a reduction in the size of the inverter device 108. The complete packets are therefore formed of several segments, each segment corresponding to a table 116.

The boxes 104 which follow the third path (T3) and arrive at the transfer module 152 will be conveyed on the conveyor 154, then pass through the switching device 136 and the filling arm 138 before falling into the container. 140. In this example, the container 140 moves in the filling direction indicated by the arrow 144 during filling. However, the packet formed by the boxes 104 which follow the third path (T3) will be reversed by 180 ° relative to that of the figure 2 but the boxes 104 will still have the glue tab down.

The figure 4 illustrates an example of the contents of the container 140 having received several packs 300, 302 of boxes 104 of variable thickness which come from a repetition of the operations illustrated in FIGS. figures 2 and 3 . It will be noted that in this example, the packets 300, 302 have been automatically placed in several rows and the adjacent packets 300, 302 of the same row are inverted with respect to one another.

The figure 5 is a non-schematic isometric view of the packaging system 100 which corresponds to that schematically illustrated in FIGS. figure 1 to 3 . The figure 6 is a view similar to the figure 5 but the system 100 is illustrated at another angle.

As can be seen, the present concept may allow in particular to add one or more modes to an existing packager. It also remains possible to build a packer with only one new mode or with only the two new modes, as needed.

As previously mentioned, the inverter device 108 of the system 100, which enables it to obtain the two new modes of packaging, is based on the inverter device 1 presented in the Canadian patent no. 2584937 issued on 29 April 2014 and its equivalent in the United States, namely 7360636 issued on April 22, 2008. The figures 7 and 8 of the present application correspond respectively to figures 1 and 2 of these patents. They are included in a complementary way. These figures illustrate an embodiment of an inverting device, which is referred to by the number 1 in the figures 7 and 8 . It should be noted that in the system 100, the inverter device 108 is placed at an angle, that is, its input and output are vertically spaced apart. The output of the inverter device 108 in the illustrated example is higher than its input. Other configurations are nevertheless possible. The inverter device 108 is also used in the system 100 with a switching device 122 which makes it possible to send the boxes 104 along one or the other of the three paths (T1, T2, T3). The switching device 122 could be different in certain situations, for example if the first path (T1) is not required.

The basic inverter device 1 is equipment that is both compact and relatively simple. It makes it possible to return foldable box plies in planar configuration, for example boxes coming from a folder-gluer machine on a production line.

According to one embodiment, the inverter device 1 comprises a first conveyor allowing intermittent operation to supply a number of boxes to a second conveyor which operates continuously. A turning mechanism is placed downstream of the second conveyor. This overturning mechanism is provided with an inlet section and an outlet section each comprising mechanisms for guiding the boxes through the respective sections during operation. The inverter device 1 also comprises a third conveyor which is reversible and which is placed between the inlet and outlet sections, and a fourth conveyor placed under the overturning mechanism. A valve is disposed between the second conveyor and both between the receiving section and the fourth conveyor. The flap allows to change the direction of the boxes. A control system makes it possible to measure the number of boxes that pass on the first conveyor, to stop and start the first conveyor intermittently according to a given number of boxes, and to control the position of the valve so as to send the boxes to the overturning mechanism or to the fourth conveyor.

The first conveyor of the device 1 is adapted to operate in a suitable sequence with the actuation of the valve so that there is a preselected number of boxes which are introduced either in the overturning mechanism, ie in the fourth conveyor. Thus, at the exit of the inverter device, there will be layers of overlapping boxes which are oriented alternately.

In one embodiment, the inverter device 1 comprises the receiving conveyor which is placed downstream of the outlet section and the fourth conveyor. The inlet of the receiving conveyor may be adjustable in height relative to the level of the fourth conveyor. He is preferably under his level. At least one of the fourth conveyor and the receiving conveyor comprises a box guiding mechanism.

The control system may include a laser for counting the number of boxes. The control system makes it possible to control the operation of the first conveyor in concert with the orientation of the valve and the direction of the third conveyor. The number of boxes per web can be preselected according to the needs and physical characteristics of the boxes, for example their shape and size. Depending on the amount of cans per web and their physical characteristics, each web may be momentarily either compressed or stretched by varying the respective speeds of the different conveyors to allow unhindered operation. The operation of the third conveyor is related to the operation of the first conveyor and the valve, whereby the steps can take place in sequence.

The guides for the belts may comprise a plurality of spring-loaded rollers or pulleys that allow appropriate pressure to be applied to the boxes as they pass through sections of the turning mechanism. Another conveyor is provided with the guides to help transport the boxes through the entrance and exit sections.

Preferably, the third conveyor comprises two belts between which the boxes are retained and transported sequentially in opposite directions. As a rule, one of the belts of the third conveyor is supported by a plurality of fixed rollers and the other belt is at least partially supported by a plurality of resiliently loaded rollers. The two belts gradually join one another to form an open mouth which is adjacent to the inlet and outlet sections. Part of the lower ends of the two belts is positioned at an angle to a vertical portion which is generally adjacent thereto and to the outlet section.

In one embodiment, the inverter device 1 may comprise a computer connected to the control system of the different conveyors and input and output sections for the operation thereof. Preferably, the inverter device 1 comprises a plurality of box sensors located on the various conveyors and the inlet and outlet sections.

A feed conveyor and a receiving conveyor are provided in a box handling plant of which the inverter device 1 is part. Suitable support structures are also provided to support and hold in place the various elements of the inverter device 1.

As shown in the example of figures 7 and 8 , the inverter device 1 comprises a first conveyor 2 which receives a sheet 3 of folding boxes 5 from a supply conveyor 4. In this specific example, the boxes 5 having a planar configuration can come from a folding machine. gluer or similar machine. The first conveyor 2 comprises upper and lower belts 6, 8 supported respectively by sets of rollers 11, 12. During operation, the boxes 5 are supported between the two belts 6, 8 and are conveyed to a second conveyor 10.

In this example, a control device 7 comprising a laser is placed on the first conveyor 2. The control device 7 makes it possible in particular to count the number of boxes 5 that arrive in the inverter device 1. It also allows the control of the sequences of stop and departure, as needed.

The second conveyor 10 is of a type similar to the first conveyor 2. It comprises upper and lower belts 13, 14 which are supported respectively by sets of rollers 16, 18. In general, during operation the second conveyor 10 is actuated uninterrupted.

The inverter device 1 includes a turning mechanism 20. This mechanism 20 comprises an inlet section 21 and an outlet section 22 which share a belt 24. They each have a set of spring wheels, pulleys or rollers 26 to apply pressure on the transported boxes. Each section is curved but they are in opposite directions, as illustrated. Although not shown in the accompanying figures, the pulleys and rollers 26 can exert pressure on the boxes 5 via a roller belt (not shown) for each section 21, 22 (as shown in FIG. described later in the text for belt 34 with rollers 37).

A third conveyor 30 is placed above the inlet and outlet sections 21, 22. It comprises two belts 32, 34 driven by a motor 36 and corresponding rollers 38, 40. The boxes are held between the belts 32, 34 in the third conveyor 30. In the example, the belt 32 is generally supported by a set of stationary rolls 35 while the belt 34 is preferably at least partially supported by a set of spring rollers 37 in order to maintain a pressure on the boxes between the two belts 32, 34, regardless of the thickness of the boxes. It may also be possible to make a configuration where the position of the fixed and spring rollers is reversed. This third conveyor 30 is disposed substantially vertically. It is also substantially perpendicular to the first and second conveyors 2, 10 and the general plane of the sheet 3 on arrival.

A fourth conveyor 42, which comprises a belt 43, is disposed under the inlet and outlet sections 21, 22 of the turning mechanism 20.

The inverter device 1 includes a receiving conveyor 50 which includes a belt 51. The receiving conveyor 50 is placed at the exit of the inverter device 1. The speed of the belt 51 is adjusted to allow optimum placement of the boxes.

The conveyors 42, 50 comprise guide mechanisms 44, 54 of boxes. They make it possible to slow the boxes 5 because the speed of the conveyors is not always the same from one place to another. The guiding mechanism 44 for the fourth conveyor 42 comprises in particular an upper belt 45 which is supported, at least partially, by spring rollers 46. This belt 45 is driven at the same speed as the belt 43 of the fourth conveyor 42. The guide mechanism 54 of the receiving conveyor 50 comprises in particular a guide plate 55 or a shoe mounted on a support structure 56 and whose position is adjustable. The guide plate 55 is preferably slightly inclined upwards on the side of which come from the boxes. It includes a curved leading edge, as shown in FIG. figure 8 . Variations are possible. For example, the fourth conveyor 42 could have the guide plate 55 and / or the receiving conveyor 50 could include the guide mechanism 44.

A pivoting valve 60 is placed immediately after the second conveyor 10. It makes it possible to redirect the boxes either towards the inlet section 21 or towards the fourth conveyor 42, according to its position. The valve 60 can be actuated by means of a pressurized fluid actuator 62, for example a pneumatic actuator, but it can also be an electric actuator (not shown).

During operation, a sheet 3 of boxes 5 placed on the feed conveyor 4 will arrive at the first conveyor 2, from right to left, in the figures 7 and 8 . The web will be held between the belts 6, 8 of the first conveyor 2 and the web 3 will advance towards the second conveyor 10. The control device 7 will count the number of boxes 5 which pass between the belts 6, 8. When a predetermined number of boxes forming a package is reached, for example ten, the first conveyor 2 will stop momentarily after the passage of the last box of a package to retain the following boxes on the first conveyor 2. As the sheet 3 arrives continuously, it will be understood that the feed conveyor 4 will continue to bring other boxes on the first conveyor 2 and that the density of the boxes in the sheet will increase at the first conveyor 2 until it is restarted.

A first box sensor S1 is mounted on the second conveyor 10 at a predetermined distance from the first conveyor 2. The control device 7 will use the information transmitted by the first sensor S1 to detect the end of the sheet and determine when the first conveyor 2 can be restarted. The predetermined distance corresponds to the initial distance between the successive packets of boxes 5. The position of the first sensor S1 of boxes (see FIG. figure 8 ) is generally adjustable relative to the first conveyor 2, which allows to control this initial gap.

The sequence of stops and starts of the first conveyor 2 will generally correspond indirectly with the positioning of the valve 60, which is controlled by a second box sensor S2 placed below to detect a spacing between two sheets. This spacing is measured through a small window 61 located on the valve 60 or by a similar arrangement. The valve 60 directs a portion of the web either to the fourth conveyor 42 or to the inlet section 21. Regardless of the direction taken by the boxes, they will eventually be found on the receiving conveyor 50. Although not specifically described here, the actuation of the valve 60 could be directly synchronized with the first conveyor 2, with a predetermined phase shift. In the case where the valve 60 is in a position such as that of the figure 8 (and dotted on the figure 7 ), the boxes that will form a non-inverted package will pass through the fourth conveyor 42 to reach the receiving conveyor 50. When the valve 60 will be in the other position, namely that shown in solid lines in the figure 7 , the boxes will be sent rather in the input section 21. In this section 21, the boxes will be transported between the belt 24 and the rollers 26 of the third conveyor 20. They will first move upwards, then they will be momentarily stopped before being written to the output section 22 and after to the receiving conveyor 50. The operation thus allows the boxes to be returned inside the mechanism 20.

To facilitate guiding the boxes 5 from the inlet section 21 to the third conveyor 30, there are provided two belts 32, 34 which, from a location adjacent to the intersection of the inlet and 21, 22, gradually join the other to form an open mouth 39. The mouth 39 narrows to the entrance of the third conveyor 30. To facilitate the guiding of the boxes 5 at this location, the two belts 32 , 34 are slightly inclined (see angle A on the figure 8 The boxes 5 exiting the third conveyor 30 are then inclined along the angle A so that they will naturally be in the direction of the exit section 22. Although not shown here, it is possible to provide a different mechanism of the valve to allow the redirection of boxes.

A third box sensor S3 can be provided between the inlet section 21 and the third conveyor 30 at the mouth of the open mouth 39 to detect that the last box of a package has indeed left the section. 21. The speed of the various conveyors 10, 21, 22, 30, 42 could otherwise be modified if necessary. In addition, a fourth box sensor S4 can be placed downstream inside the open mouth 39 to detect that the last box of a tablecloth is indeed entering the third conveyor 30 and that the direction of movement of the belts 32, 34 can be reversed. A fifth box sensor S5 can be placed at the entrance of the third conveyor 30 to ensure that no other box has reached this point before the direction of movement is reversed. Inverter device 1 will otherwise be shut down to allow inspection.

The web of boxes 5 returned in the third conveyor 30 is conveyed to the outlet section 22 by the belt 24, then is conveyed to the receiving conveyor 50 to join the sheet of boxes which has arrived previously from the fourth conveyor 42 As shown in figure 7 the reformed web 3 'on the receiving conveyor 50 will comprise successive inverted packets. The leading edges of the boxes of these packets will then be thin or thick, depending on the orientation of the packets. Boxes 5 of the reformed web 3 'will be segmented into packages later in the process.

In order to allow a better fusion between the packs on the receiving conveyor 50, the end of the belt 51 of the receiving conveyor 50 is generally lowered to be below the level of the fourth conveyor 42 by means of an adjusting mechanism slit 52 or other similar mechanism, as shown in figure 8 . This lowering, as well as the control of the arrival speed of the boxes, allows an adequate overlap of the first box of a non-inverted package on the last box of an inverted packet upon arrival on the receiving conveyor 50 .

In order to ensure a good overlap of the alternating packets on the receiving conveyor 50, a sixth box detector S6 may be provided at the end of the output section 22. This sensor makes it possible, in particular, to validate that the last box of a box Inverted package has indeed been transferred to the receiving conveyor 50. In addition, a seventh box detector S7 may be provided at the end of the fourth conveyor 42 to detect the presence of a first box of a non-pack. reversed. The sensors S6, S7 make it possible to better control the speed of each belt 43, 51 of the conveyors 42, 50 and to ensure a better overlap of the boxes.

During the operation of the inverter device 1, the boxes 5 of the same packet always remain in overlap, as shown in FIG. figure 7 .

The control of all the conveyors and the valve is centralized and the operation sequences are coordinated by the control device. It can be programmed in a computer or done in another way. It is connected to the different box sensors S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7 to obtain an adequate distribution of the sheet. The inverted boxes can also be positioned appropriately and their inversion could be carried out continuously. In addition, the controller adjusts the speed of the belts of different conveyors as necessary. The number of boxes in a package is determined according to the needs taking into account their size and shape. The separation of the packets can be carried out in order to allow subsequent handling without hindrance and to prevent the risk of jamming or even sliding of the boxes reaching the receiving conveyor 50 coming from the two trajectories.

It should be noted that what is described in the present detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying figures is only by way of example only. A person working in the field concerned will know, from reading the description and figures, that variants can be made while still remaining within the limits of the proposed concept.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Inverter device (prior embodiment)

2

First conveyor (previous realization)

3

Tablecloth (previous achievement)

3 '

Reformed tablecloth (previous achievement)

4

Feed conveyor (previous embodiment)

5

Folding box (previous embodiment)

6

Upper belt (previous embodiment)

7

Control device (previous embodiment)

8

Lower belt (previous embodiment)

10

Second conveyor (previous embodiment)

11

Upper roll (previous embodiment)

12

Lower roll (previous embodiment)

13

Upper belt (previous embodiment)

14

Lower belt (previous embodiment)

16

Upper roll (previous embodiment)

18

Lower roll (previous embodiment)

20

Turning mechanism (previous embodiment)

21

Entry section (previous achievement)

22

Output section (previous achievement)

24

Belt (previous achievement)

26

Roller (previous realization)

30

Third conveyor (previous embodiment)

32

Belt (previous achievement)

34

Belt (previous achievement)

35

Fixed roll (previous embodiment)

36

Engine (previous achievement)

37

Spring roll (previous embodiment)

39

Open mouth (previous achievement)

42

Fourth conveyor (previous embodiment)

43

Belt (previous achievement)

44

Guiding mechanism (previous embodiment)

45

Upper belt (previous embodiment)

46

Spring roll (previous embodiment)

50

Conveyor of reception (previous realization)

51

Belt (previous achievement)

52

Slotted adjustment mechanism (previous embodiment)

54

Guiding mechanism (previous embodiment)

55

Guide plate (previous embodiment)

56

Support structure (previous embodiment)

60

Swivel flap (previous embodiment)

61

Window (previous realization)

62

Actuator (previous achievement)

100

System

102

packer

104

Flat object / folding box

106

Entrance conveyor

107

Second conveyor

108

Inverter device

110

Continuous tablecloth

112

Discontinuous tablecloth

114

Discontinuous tablecloth

116

Discontinuous tablecloth

120

Counting device

122

Referral device

130

Transfer module

132

Accumulation area

134

Counting / separation device

135

Arch conveyor

136

Referral device

138

Filling arm

140

Container

142

Arrow

144

Arrow

146

Filling station

150

Climbing conveyor

152

Transfer module

154

Conveyor

160

First section of conveyors

162

Second section of conveyors

200

Geometric landmark

300

Package

302

Package

T1

First trip

T2

Second journey

T3

Third journey

Claims (10)

System (100) for filling containers (140) with flat objects (104), for example folding boxes, the system (100) including: a counting device (120) and a first switching device (122), the first switching device (122) having a separate input and two outputs, the first output for directing the objects (104) to a first path object conveying device (T1) in which the objects (104) will pass through a forced-to-left transfer module (130), an accumulation zone (132), a counting / separating device (134). ) for separating the objects (104) accumulated near vertical in the accumulation zone (132) and for conveying them to an arch conveyor (135), the second output for directing the objects to a second transport path of objects (T2) in which the objects (104) will pass through a climbing conveyor (150), a right-handed transfer module (152) and a second conveyor (154); and a second switching device (136) for redirecting the objects (104) from either the arch conveyor (135) or the second conveyor (154) to a filling arm (138) at an output of the system (100); ) for filling a container (140). Container filling system (100) with flat objects (104), for example folding boxes, the system (100) including: a first object transport path (T1) comprising an obligatory left angle transfer module (130), a tableting station (102), a first counting / separating device (134) for separating objects (104) near vertical in an accumulation zone (132) and routing them to an arch conveyor (135); a second object transport path (T2) comprising a second counting / separating device (120, 122) located upstream of a rising level conveyor (150) and conveying the objects (104) to in a right-handed transfer module (152) then in a second conveyor (154); and a switching device (136) for conveying the objects (104) from one or the other of the conveyors (135, 154) to a filling arm (138) and thus filling a container (140) in a filling station (146). System (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first switching device (122) has a separate input and three outputs, the third output being to a third object transport path (T3) passing through a inverter device (108). System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it allows either a first mode of packaging using the path (T1) for the packaging of objects (104) with an orientation "paw of glue upwardly into the container (140), a second mode of packaging the path (T2) for packaging the objects (104) with a "glue-down" orientation in the container (140). System (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it allows either a first conditioning mode using the path (T1) for packaging objects (104) with an orientation "paw of glue upwardly in the container (140), a second mode of packaging the path (T3) for packaging the objects (104) with a "glue-down with inverted boxes" orientation in the container ( 140) in which the objects (104) are doubly inverted in comparison with the objects having rather followed the first path (T1). Packer (102) modified by the addition of a counting device (120) and a switching device (122) having an input and at least two separate outputs, a first output to a first transport path of pre-existing objects (T1) in the packer (102), and a second output to a new second object transport path (T2) comprising a new upward-level conveyor (150) for conveying the objects (104) into a new forced right angle transfer module (152) and a new second conveyor (154); and
a new switching device (134) for conveying the objects (104) to a filling arm (138) and thereby filling a container (140). The packer (102) according to claim 6, wherein the switching device (122) includes a third output for conveying the objects (104) to a third object transport path (T3), the third path (T3) passing through an inverter device (108). The packer (102) according to claim 7, wherein the inverter device (108) is based on an existing inverting device that has been modified at least by its inclination with respect to the horizontal. A packer (102) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the packer (102) allows either a first packaging mode using the path (T1) for packaging the objects (104) with an orientation " glue tab upwardly in the container (140), a second packaging mode for packaging the items (104) with a "glue tab down" orientation in the container (140). A packer (102) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the system (100) allows either a first packaging mode using the path (T1) for packaging the objects (104) with a "paw" orientation glue upwardly into the container (140), ie a second mode of packaging the path (T3) for packaging the objects (104) with a "glue-down with inverted boxes" orientation in the container (140) in which the objects (104) are doubly inverted in comparison with the objects (104) having instead followed the first path (T1).

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