EP3924261A1

EP3924261A1 - Tucker assembly for a package forming machine

Info

Publication number: EP3924261A1
Application number: EP20708377.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Emmanuel Davaillon
Original assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Current assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date: 2019-02-13
Filing date: 2020-01-30
Publication date: 2021-12-22
Also published as: WO2020167484A1

Abstract

A tucker assembly (81) for packaging articles having variable dimensions having a first and second laterally opposed longitudinally extending cam panels (81, 82), separated by an adjustable gap (86) and joined together by at least one connecting rod (88), each cam panel having a front section, a middle section, and a rear section, each section being associated with specific packaging steps. Each cam panel having an inboard surface (16) and an outboard surface, each outboard surface (18) having a continuous cam track (20) formed therein, and at least one leading lug (22) and at least one trailing lug (24) operatively associated with each cam panel (81, 82) and configured to follow the continuous cam tracks (20) formed therein and a first, second, third and fourth transferring chain (26, 28, 30, 32), positioned between the cam panels, adapted for moving the leading lug (22) and trailing lug (24) of each cam panel, the leading lugs and the trailing lugs are selectively spaced apart to accommodate packaging of various lengths.

Description

TUCKER ASSEMBLY FOR A PACKAGE FORMING MACHINE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to beverage packing machines, and more particularly, to a tucker assembly for packing forming machines that is configured to accommodate beverage packages of varying dimensions.

2. Description of Related Art

A majority of known beverage packaging machines are constructed for one size of carton or beverage container. Therefore, modem packaging plants are required to use a plurality of packaging machines to package different container types, each machine taking up considerable floor space and being expensive to both purchase and operate.

A limited number of beverage packaging machines are capable of accommodating different sized beverage cartons. For example, wraparound beverage cartons can contain six, eight or twelve cans of a. Machines of this type typically require adjustments 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 changeover period, which can be thirty minutes or more, a machine cannot be used (known as downtime), which is an expensive delay in a packaging plant. Such a delay may even result in downtime for the entire production line, not just the packaging machine, if problems arise during the changeover procedure.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for packaging machines providing easier changeover between various sizes of packaging. There also remains a need in the art for such machines to be easily used and inserted into know assembly lines. The present invention provides a tucker assembly for package forming machines configured to accommodate beverage packages of varying dimensions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter is directed to a new and useful tucker assembly for a package forming machine. The tucker assembly for packaging articles having variable dimensions includes a first and second laterally opposed longitudinally extending cam panel, with an adjustable gap between them and joined together by at least one connecting rod. The tucker assembly can package beverage cans, and be a modular component of a packaging assembly line. The gap can be adjustable to accommodate articles of varying widths. The connecting rod can include a stopper on an end thereof for limiting a maximum width of the gap and a locking mechanism for holding the cams plate in a desired position.

Each cam panel includes a front section, a middle section, and a rear section. Each section is for performing specific package forming steps, each cam panel includes an inboard surface and an outboard surface, each outboard surface includes a continuous cam track. Each continuous cam track can follow a periphery of each cam panel. The front section of each cam panel can include a generally downward slope, the middle section of each cam panel can be generally horizontal, and the rear section of each cam panel can include a generally upward slope with respect to the longitudinal extension of each cam panel.

The trucker assembly includes at least one leading lug and at least one trailing lug operatively associated with each cam panel for following the respective continuous cam tracks. Each leading lug and each trailing lug can include at least one guiding member for following the continuous cam tracks, and each lug can include an arcuate member affixed to the lug body for bending a portion of the packaging when engaged. The arcuate members can be engaged in the middle section of each cam panel by an indentation in the cam tracks. The arcuate members can be spring loaded. An inboard facing obstruction member can be positioned at the middle section of each cam panel for obstructing a portion of the packaging as it moves along the tucker assembly and forcing the portion of the packaging to be folded in a downward direction.

A first transferring chain, for moving the leading lugs of the first cam panel is positioned on an inner surface of an outer panel and adjacent to the second transferring chain, for moving at least one trailing lug of the first cam panel, is attached on the outer surface of the first cam panel. The third transferring chain, configured for moving the trailing lugs of the second cam panel is attached on an outer surface of the second cam panel and adjacent to the fourth transferring chain, for moving at least one leading lug of second first cam panel, attached to an inner surface of the second outer panel. The leading lugs and the trailing lugs are selectively spaced apart along the continuous cam tracks to accommodate packaging of various lengths. The tucker assembly can include a drivetrain at an end of the tucker assembly for actuating the transferring chains simultaneously.

Each transferring chain can include at least two retaining members, each retaining member including an aperture there-through for retaining a pin affixed to a lug body of each lug. The aperture for the leading lugs and the aperture for the trailing lugs can be at different heights with respect to their respective transferring chains. A multiple of leading lugs can correspond to a multiple of the trailing lugs and a distance between each leading lug and an adjacent leading lug can be equal to a distance between each trailing lug and an adjacent trailing lug. A distance between the leading lugs and the trailing lugs can modified by two independent adjustment mechanisms. Each adjustment mechanism can be correspondingly coupled to the first and third transferring chains and the second and fourth transferring chains. These and other features of the subject disclosure will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred

embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that those skilled in the art to which the subject invention appertains will readily understand how to make and use the devices of the subject invention without undue experimentation, preferred embodiments thereof will be described in detail herein below with reference to certain figures, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a side view of a package forming machine that includes a tucker assembly for packaging articles having variable dimensions;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the tucker assembly of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a cam panel of the tucker assembly of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of chains of the tucker assembly of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of lugs of the tucker assembly of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a localized view of a cam track of the tucker assembly of Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 is a rear elevation of the tucker assembly of the packaging assembly line of Fig.

1 ;

Fig. 8 is an illustration of a package as it progresses through the tucker assembly of Fig. 2;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment the tucker assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural features or aspects of the subject invention. For purposes of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, a partial view of an exemplary embodiment of a tucker assembly in accordance with the invention is shown in Fig. 1 and is designated generally by reference character 81. Other embodiments of package forming machines in accordance with the invention, or aspects thereof, are provided in Figs. 2-8, as will be described. The systems of the invention can be used to simplify the changeover between different packaging sizes and increase the life of the machine.

Referring now to Fig. 1, a packaging assembly line 100 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown having a tucker assembly 81 for packaging articles having variable dimensions. The tucker assembly 81 can package beverage cans, and be a modular component of the packaging assembly line 100.

As shown in Fig. 2, the tucker assembly 81 includes a first 82 and second 84 laterally opposed longitudinally extending cam panel, with an adjustable gap 86 between them and joined together by at least one connecting rod 88. The connecting rod 88 includes a stopper 40 on an end 42 thereof for limiting a maximum width of the gap 86 and a locking mechanism 44 for holding the cam panels 82, 84 in a desired position. The gap 86 is adjustable to accommodate articles of varying widths. The cam panels 82, 84 are configured to be spaced between 53 cm and 66 cm from each other in order to accommodate various width and arrangements of containers.

Referring now to Fig. 3, each cam panel 82, 84 includes a front section 10, a middle section 12, and a rear section 14. Each section 10, 12, 14 is for performing specific package forming steps. Each cam panel 82, 84 includes an inboard surface 16 and an outboard surface 18, each outboard surface 18 includes a continuous cam track 20. Each continuous cam track 20 extends along a periphery 34 of each cam panel 82, 84. In one embodiment of the invention the front section 10 of each cam panel includes a generally downward slope, the middle section 12 of each cam panel includes a generally horizontal slope, and the rear section 14 of each cam panel includes a generally upward slope with respect to the longitudinal extension of each cam panel 82,84. The shape of each panel 82, 84 allows a conveyor belt to bring articles to and from the cam panels 82, 84. The trucker assembly 81 includes at least one leading lug 22 and at least one trailing lug 24 operatively associated with each cam panel 82, 84 configured for following the each continuous cam track 20. Fig. 3 represents both cam panel 82 and 84. Each cam panel includes two transferring chains, one for each set of leading lugs 22 and one for each set of trailing lugs 24. The transferring chains 26/28 and 30/32 are both depicted in this Fig. 3.

As shown in Fig. 4, the leading lugs 22 and the trailing lugs 24 are selectively positioned and spaced apart along each continuous cam track 20 to accommodate packaging of various lengths. In one embodiment of the invention the tucker assembly 81 includes a drivetrain 36 at an end 38 of the tucker assembly 81 for actuating the transferring chains 26, 28, 30, 32 simultaneously. Each transferring chain 26, 28, 30, 32 includes at least two retaining members 46, each retaining member 46 includes an aperture 50 there-through for retaining a pin 52 affixed to the lug body 54 of each lug. The aperture 50a for the leading lugs 22 and the aperture 50b for the trailing lugs 24 are at different heights with respect to their respective transferring chains 26, 28, 30, 32, ensuring the operator installs the lugs 22, 24 properly. Another installation assistance feature places the pins 52 of each of the lugs 22, 24 at different locations with respect to the lug bodies 54. The leading lug 22 and the trailing lug 24 also have pins 52 of different lengths, allowing the lugs 22, 24 to be in one line and the corresponding transferring chains 26, 28, and 30, 32, to be staggered. Referring now to Fig. 5, each leading lug 22 and each trailing lug 24 include at least one guiding member 56 for following each continuous cam track 20, and each lug 22, 24 includes arcuate member 58a, 58b affixed to a lug body 54 configured for bending a portion 63 of the packaging 60 when engaged. The arcuate members 58a, 58b are engaged in the middle section 12 of each cam panel 82, 84 by an indentation 64 (shown in Fig. 6) in each continuous cam track 20. In one embodiment of the invention the arcuate members 58 are be spring loaded. Once each of the arcuate members 58a, 58b reaches the indentation 64 the arcuate members 58a, 58b articulate, since the floor and roof of the track are removed in the indentation 64 portion. Once the arcuate members 58a, 58b reach the end of the indentation section 64, the arcuate members 58a, 58b are forced into a triggered position and reloaded for the next pass. The arcuate member 58a and the arcuate member 58b, associated respectively with the leading lug 22 and the trailing lug 24, articulate in opposite directions with respect to each other when the leading lug 22 and the trailing lug 24 reach the indentation 64 in the cam track 20. In one embodiment the arcuate members 58a and 58b are of different sizes. An inboard facing obstruction member 66 (shown in Fig. 2) for obstructing a portion 62 of the packaging 60, as the packaging 60 moves from the front section 10 to the rear section 14 of the tucker assembly 81 and forcing the portion of the packaging 62 to be folded in a downward direction is positioned at the middle section 12 of each cam panel 82, 84. The progression of the packaging through assembly is shown in Fig. 8.

As shown in Fig. 7, the first transferring chain 26, configured for moving the leading lugs 22 of the first cam panel 82 is positioned on an inner surface 107 of a first outer panel 106 and adjacent to the second transferring chain 28, configured for moving at least one trailing lug 24 of the first cam panel 82, is attached on the outer surface 18 of the first cam panel 82. The third transferring chain 30, configured for moving the trailing lugs 24 of the second cam panel 84 is attached on an outer surface 18 of the second cam panel 84 and adjacent to the fourth transferring chain 32, configured for moving at least one leading lug 22 of second first cam panel 84, attached to an inner surface 105 of the second outer panel 104.

Fig. 8 shows beverage containers entering the tucker assembly and a packaging 60 being placed on top of the beverage containers. A series of packages 60 is depicted traveling above a series of beverage containers situated on a conveyor belt. The first step displays a packing in an unmodified state. The step depicts shows a portion of the packaging bent by the lugs 22, 24. The lugs 22, 24 are depicted above the packaging in order to show the bent portions. The step image depicts the packaging as affected by the obstruction member 66.

The fourth step depicts the packaging positioning after the lugs 22, 24 release the packaging.

A multiple of leading lugs 22 corresponds to a multiple of the trailing lugs 24 and a distance D1 between each leading lug 22 and an adjacent leading lug 23 can be equal to a distance D2 between each trailing lug 24 and an adjacent trailing lug 25. A distance D3 between the leading lugs 22 and the trailing lugs 24 is modified by two independent adjustment mechanisms 74. Each adjustment mechanism 74 is coupled correspondingly to the first 26 and third 30 transferring chains and the second 28 and fourth 32 transferring chains.

In one embodiment of the invention the adjustment mechanisms 74 can be manual, alternatively the adjustment mechanisms are powered (as shown in Fig. 9). These and other elements make the changeover to a different sized package faster and easier. In a further embodiment the adjustment mechanisms 74 are be programmed to be adjusted from a remote location. It is also contemplated that each lug 22-25 can be removed from the cam track 20, and reinstalled at a different location along the cam track 20. The lugs 22-25 can be access by a hatch located on the outboard surface 18 of each cam panel 82, 84. The hatch can be located along the top portion of the cam track 20.

The methods and systems of the present disclosure, as described above and shown in the drawings, provide for a tucker assembly with superior properties including increased convertibility and stability, and reduced size, weight, complexity, and cost. While the apparatus of the subject disclosure have been showing and described with reference to embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that changes and/or

modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and score of the subject disclosure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A tucker assembly for packaging articles having variable dimensions comprising:

a) a first and second laterally opposed longitudinally extending cam panel, having an adjustable gap therebetween and joined together by at least one connecting rod, each cam panel having a front section, a middle section, and a rear section, each section being configured to effectuate specific package forming steps, each cam panel having an inboard surface and an outboard surface, wherein each outboard surface has a continuous cam track formed therein;

b) at least one leading lug and at least one trailing lug operatively associated with each cam panel and configured to follow the continuous cam tracks formed therein;

c) a first transferring chain, positioned on an inner surface of a first outer panel, adapted and configured for moving the at least one leading lug of the first cam panel; and

d) a second transferring chain, positioned on an outer surface of the first cam panel, adapted and configured for moving the at least one trailing lug of the first cam panel;

e) a third transferring chain, positioned on an outer surface of the second cam panel, adapted and configured for moving the at least one trailing lug of the first second panel; and

f) a fourth transferring chain, positioned on an inner surface of a second outer panel, adapted and configured for moving the at least one leading lug of the second cam panel; wherein the leading lugs and the trailing lugs are adapted and configured to be selectively spaced apart along the continuous cam tracks to accommodate packaging of various lengths.

2. A tucker assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein each continuous cam track extends about a periphery of each cam panel.

3. A tucker assembly as recited in claim 1, further including a drivetrain at an end of the tucker assembly configured for actuating the transferring chains simultaneously.

4. A tucker assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the gap is adjustable to accommodate articles of varying widths.

5. A tucker assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one connecting rod includes a stopper on an end thereof for limiting a maximum width of the gap and a locking mechanism for holding the cam plate in a desired position.

6. A tucker assembly tucker assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein each transferring chain includes at least two retaining members, each retaining member having an aperture extending there-through configured for retaining a pin affixed to a lug body of each lug.

7. A tucker assembly as recited in claim 6, wherein the aperture configured for the leading lugs and the aperture configured for the trailing lugs are at different heights with respect to their respective transferring chains.

8. A tucker assembly as recited in claim 6, wherein the each leading lug and each trailing lug include at least one guiding member configured and adapted for following each of the continuous cam tracks.

9. A tucker assembly as recited in claim 6, wherein each lug includes an arcuate member affixed to the lug body configured and adapted to bend a portion of the packaging.

10. A tucker assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein the arcuate members are engaged in the middle section of each cam panel by an indentation in the cam tracks.

11. A tucker assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein the arcuate members are spring loaded.

12. A tucker assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the front section of each cam panel includes a generally downward slope, the middle section of each cam panel is generally horizontal, and the end section of each cam panel includes a generally upward slope with respect to the longitudinal extension of each cam panel.

13. A tucker assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein an inboard facing obstruction member positioned at the middle section of each cam panel is configured for obstructing a portion of the packaging as it moves along the tucker assembly and forcing the portion of the packaging to be folded in a downward direction.

14. A tucker assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein a multiple of leading lugs corresponds to a multiple of the trailing lugs and a distance between each leading lug and an adjacent leading lug is equal to a distance between each trailing lug and an adjacent trailing lug.

15. A tucker assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein a distance between the leading lugs and the trailing lugs is modified by two independent adjustment mechanisms, each adjustment mechanism correspondingly coupled to the first and third transferring chains and the second and fourth transferring chains.

16. A tucker assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the tucker assembly is configured to package beverage cans.

17. A tucker assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the tucker assembly is a modular component of a packaging assembly line.

18. A tucker assembly for packaging articles having variable dimensions comprising:

a) a first and second laterally opposed longitudinally extending cam panels, having an adjustable gap therebetween and joined together by at least one connecting rod, each cam panel having a front section, a middle section, and a rear section, each section being configured to effectuate specific package forming steps, each cam panel having an inboard surface and an outboard surface, wherein each outboard surface has a continuous cam track formed therein, the connecting rod including a stopper on an end thereof for limiting a maximum width of the gap and a locking mechanism for holding the cam panels in a desired position;

b) at least one leading lug and at least one trailing lug operatively associated with each cam panel and configured to follow the continuous cam track formed therein;

1) a fourth transferring chain, positioned on an inner surface of a second outer panel, adapted and configured for moving the at least one leading lug of the second cam panel; wherein the leading lugs and the trailing lugs are adapted and configured to be selectively spaced apart along the continuous cam tracks to accommodate packaging of various lengths, the spacing between the leading lugs and the trailing lugs being modified by two independent adjustment mechanisms, each adjustment mechanism correspondingly coupled to the first and third transferring chains and the second and fourth transferring chains.

19. A tucker assembly as recited in claim 18, wherein the tucker assembly wherein an obstruction member positioned at the middle section of each cam panel is configured for obstructing a portion of the packaging as it moves along the tucker assembly and forcing the portion of the packaging to be folded in a downward direction.

20. A tucker assembly as recited in claim 18, wherein each transferring chain includes at least two retaining members, each retaining member positioned at a distance from the each relative chain having an aperture there-through configured for retaining a pin affixed to a lug body of each lug